Soldier honoured for saving lives in Ella bus tragedy

Lance Corporal W.M.V.M. Bandara of the 2nd Special Forces Regiment has been promoted in recognition of his bravery during the recent fatal bus accident near Rawana Ella on the Ella–Wellawaya main road, which claimed 16 lives and injured several others.

Prez to open National Cyber Security Operations Centre today

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake would be inaugurating the National Cyber Security Operations Centre this morning at BMICH, aimed at protecting and securing numerous government websites, an official from the Sri Lanka Cyber Emergency Readiness Team confirmed to Daily Mirror.

Customs’ forfeiture of Panama-flagged vessel carrying salt challenged in court

A writ petition has been filed in the Court of Appeal challenging the decision of Sri Lanka Customs to forfeit the MV Stella Beauty, a Panama-flagged cargo vessel carrying a consignment of six million kilogrammes of iodized white granular salt imported from India.

Landmark court ruling orders disability-friendly upgrades at railway stations from Vavuniya to Mahawa

The Anuradhapura High Court yesterday has issued a landmark ruling requiring the renovation of railway stations between Vavuniya and Mahawa to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. The decision comes after a petition highlighted the failure to comply with accessibility regulations during recent station upgrades.

Spa owners want laws to legalize and regulate their business expedited

Spa owners have called for expediting the legalization and regulating of their business so that it would become an official industry in Sri Lanka.

Ministers in the former government never lived in official residences: Harin

Former Minister of Tourism and Lands, Harin Fernando, who has denied reports which claimed he got his ministry to pay utility bills of the official residence, yesterday said none of the ministers in the previous regime used their official residences.

PM stresses energy independence as key to national security

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has stressed that energy independence is vital for Sri Lanka’s national development, warning that without it even the country’s security could be at risk.

Wonder if today’s politicos are capitalists or socialists given their enormous wealth- Karunasena Kodithuwakku

In an obvious reference to the value of assets declared by Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, former Education Minister Dr. Karunasena Kodithuwakku yesterday said it is difficult to distinguish whether today’s powerful politicians are capitalists or socialists considering the wealth they flaunt.

161st birth anniversary of Anagarika Dharmapala commemorated

The 161st birth anniversary of Anagarika Dharmapala was commemorated yesterday, with the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society and the Dharmapala Trust holding a ceremony at his statue, including a floral offering and an afternoon alms-giving.

Late President J. R. Jayewardene’s 119th birth anniversary commemoration today

The 119th birth anniversary of late President J. R. Jayewardene will be commemorated today (17) at the main auditorium of the J.R. Jayewardene Centre, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo, from 3 p.m.

Govt. to expedite granting voting rights to Sri Lankan citizens overseas: Nalinda

The government is looking to expedite the process of enacting laws to grant voting rights to Sri Lankan citizens overseas as promised by the National People’s Power (NPP) in the elections, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda

protesting against Israel Young man acquitted

A young man who had been on remand for more than nine months before he was released on bail on the charge of protesting against Israel was acquitted yesterday by Mount Lavinia Addl. Magistrate Hemali Halpandeniya.

Opposition to lodge complaint against Speaker with Int’l Bodies: MP

The opposition is considering filing formal complaints against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne with several international parliamentary organizations, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Commonwealth

Poacher dies after gun misfires in waist

A 33-year-old poacher from Radaniara in Walasmulla died yesterday morning after a gun he was carrying in his waist accidentally misfired while he was riding a bicycle.

Leopard cub knocked down to death

A leopard cub had been knocked down to death by a vehicle on Mahaoya- Aralaganwila Road running through Maduruoya National Park on Sunday night (14).

German tourist sexually assaulted on Tangalle beach; Fisherman arrested

Tangalle Police arrested a 57-year-old fisherman from Pallikudawa for allegedly luring a German tourist to a secluded spot under the pretext of showing her crabs and sexually abusing her.

Sri Lanka hosts global Blue Carbon experts

Sri Lanka successfully hosted the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group meeting on September 10–11, bringing global experts together to advance research on mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes.

Wildlife Department blocking cultivation on freehold lands, Horowpothana farmers allege

Farmers in Horowpothana have been unable to carry out their cultivation activities due to the Department of Wildlife allegedly taking over their freehold farmlands, National Farmers’ Organisation Chairman Anuradha Tennakoon said.

Communist Party of Sri Lanka expresses concern over situation in Nepal

The Communist Party of Sri Lanka which expressed its deep concern over the tragic developments in Nepal said that though the immediate trigger for the protests – culminating in attacks on Parliament and the Court –was a “ban” on twenty-six social media platforms, it is important to clarify that the legislation in question requires foreign social media companies to register locally, abide by national laws in Nepal.

Young woman remanded for damaging Sigiriya fresco wall

A 21-year-old woman from Avissawella has been remanded until September 26 for allegedly defacing a wall at the Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Search continues for suitable residence for former president Rajapaksa

A suitable residence for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is yet to be found, despite four properties being inspected so far, sources revealed.

Iranian’s involvement suspected in ICE lab found in Hambantota apartment complex

Just a day after tests by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) confirmed that chemicals found in Middeniya were linked to the manufacture of crystal methamphetamine (ICE), police have uncovered another suspected ICE production facility, this time in an apartment complex in Hambantota.

Talks on condom use education in schools hits a dead end

The discussion on introducing condom use into Sri Lanka’s school curriculum has stalled, with no progress made since the initial round of talks, the Daily Mirror learns.

Missing youths’ parents secure Supreme Court green light to appeal

The Supreme Court yesterday granted special leave to appeal in an application filed by the parents of several youths who went missing in 2008, challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision to dismiss their writ petition filed against Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda.

Magampura Port Company must settle outstanding loan before winding up: COPE

Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has instructed the officials of Magampura Port Management Company to settle the loan (Corporate Guarantee) which it has obtained from a private Bank way back in 2014 before it is wound up.

Senthil Thondaman survives Kathmandu hotel fire, rescues others

Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) President Senthil Thondaman, who was in Nepal recently, had a narrow escape when the hotel he was staying at was set ablaze by protesters during the uprising.

Airport security officer nabbed with gold biscuits valued over Rs. 210 million

A security officer at the Bandaranaike International Airport who attempted to smuggle into the country a consignment of gold biscuits valued at more than Rs. 210. 52 million was arrested yesterday morning by the Airport Customs officers.

Expo 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Better

Sri Lanka is gearing up for a new era of industrial growth, and Industry Expo 2025 is set to be the launchpad.

Probe intensified on Middeniya chemical stash following lab test confirmation

Authorities have stepped up investigations into the Middeniya chemical stash linked to methamphetamine (ICE) production, with tests confirming the majority of samples contained drug-related substances. This follows the detection of chemicals in Middeniya, which have been identified as key ingredients for producing methamphetamine. A senior official at the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) told Daily Mirror that instructions have be

Around 15 more Lankan underworld figures to be repatriated: Minister

Around 15 Sri Lankan underworld figures living aboard have been arrested as of now by the respective countries in which they are currently residing, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said.