Opposition to bring no faith motion against Deputy Minister Anura Jayasekera

Opposition party leaders are to bring in a no confidence motion against Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera, an opposition MP who did not wish to be named told Daily Mirror yesterday.

Over 120 temporary driving licences issued in two days to tourists at BIA

At least 120 temporary driving licences have been issued to foreign tourists at the on-arrival service counter at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in the two days since its launch, Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) Commissioner General Kamal Amarasinghe said.

MPs’ insurance slashed from Rs. 1 mn to Rs 250,000

The Cabinet approved a proposal to reduce the annual group insurance coverage for Members of Parliament (MPs) from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 250,000, with the new policy taking effect from October 9, 2025.

Sumanasara Thera expelled

Ven. Badulugammana Sumanasara Thera has been removed from the post of Chief Incumbent of Nagala Rajamaha Vihara in Bibila and expelled from the Malwatta Chapter for distorting the doctrine and violating the norms of the Sangha Sasana.

Foreigners arrested for running gambling den

An organized group of eleven Indians including three women who arrived in the country on tourist visas were arrested by Thalangama Police yesterday for running a gambling den through internet.

Two sentenced to death for murder

Two accused who stood indicted with murder were found guilty and sentenced to death by Matale High Court Judge Ravindra Premaratne yesterday.

President’s fund misused by two sitting MPs, several others: Deputy Minister

The President’s Fund has been used to assist relatives of politicians in the past, Deputy Minister Anura Karunathilaka told Parliament yesterday.

Suspect ready to apologize in bribery threat case; Court awaits Commission’s decision

The daughter of Dr. Maheshi Wijerathna, who is accused of issuing death threats to officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, has expressed willingness to offer an apology to the officers involved, her counsel told the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

First Randoli Perahera parades the streets of Kandy

The first Randoli Perahera of this year’s Kandy Esala Festival paraded through the streets of Kandy yesterday (August 4).

Indo-Lanka defence pact Supreme Court dismisses petitions

Two Fundamental Rights petitions filed seeking an order to invalidate the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between Sri Lanka and India were yesterday dismissed by Supreme Court.

Skinned leopard carcass found at Maduru Oya National Park

The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) officials have recovered a skinned leopard carcass yesterday at the Maduru Oya National Park.

Opposition politicians urge government to halt unilateral spending by Governors

A group of opposition politicians has accused provincial governors of unilaterally spending funds allocated to provincial councils and called on the government to promptly hold long-delayed Provincial Council elections.

Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka Elevates Standards at AGM and Scientific Sessions 2025

The Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL) held its premier annual event—the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Sessions 2025—on 29th June at Waters Edge Hotel, Battaramulla. The event brought together national and international pharmacy leaders, professionals, academics, researchers, and students for a vibrant exchange of ideas to advance pharmacy practice in Sri Lanka.

‘Happy Streets’ event leaves Marine Drive covered in trash

The “Happy Streets” event, held on August 3 from 6 AM to 11 PM along the Colpetty stretch of Marine Drive, ended with streets covered in garbage, leaving many disappointed the next morning.

Hawk saved and released

A hawk lying on an embankment by Bibila-Badulla highway at the 32nd kilometre post was handed over to the wildlife officers by the Bibila Police.

Sri Lanka now on a competitive footing with Vietnam, Bangladesh in U.S. market - EDB Chairman

Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe said the revised tariff rate places Sri Lanka on a competitive footing with key regional peers such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, particularly in the apparel and rubber sectors, which are vital contributors to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

People not well-off to maintain former Presidents:Minister

Amidst criticism by former politicians about the government’s plans to scrap privileges and pensions of former presidents and MPs, a Minister said it is not reasonable to burden the people to maintain former MPs.

Lankan apparel manufacturers can capitalize on low US tariff for Kenya - Former diplomat

Former High Commissioner to Kenya Kana Kananathan has urged Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers to seize the tremendous opportunity presented by Kenya’s favourable trade terms with the United States and the African region.

SJB censures decision to cut funding for local bodies

The main opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has called on the government to reconsider its decision to reduce funding allocated to local government bodies.

IGP ordered to appoint an official to supervise actions on custodial deaths

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) on Friday (01) ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to appoint an official to supervise the actions taken in terms of the guidelines pertaining to the death of individuals died in custody and to submit a report in this regard on August 28.

Health Ministry intervenes to settle Kalutara hospital dispute

Plans to set up professorial units for the University of Moratuwa’s Faculty of Medicine at the Teaching Hospital Kalutara are now back on track after a week of tensions between hospital consultants and university officials, health sources said.

Bribery Commission warns of legal action over assets declarations

Legal action will be taken against any Executive Grade State official who fails to submit their assets and liabilities declarations by August 31, 2025, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) said.

Purified water supply yields, chronic kidney disease loosens grip on people

Access to purified water in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka has reduced deadly diseases such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in rural areas, enabling low-income earners to improve their health, based on research on the

Gang abducts 17-year-old schoolgirl

A 17-year-old schoolgirl travelling with her mother on a motorcycle had been waylaid and abducted at Gangeyaya junction in Thanamalwila, allegedly by a gang including her previous lover. She was a grade 12 student of a school in

Shocking Discovery: infant’s corpse found in Colombo-bound train from Puttalam

The Dematagoda Police yesterday presented facts before Colombo Additional Magistrate Kasun Kanchana Dissanayake regarding the discovery of the body of a deceased infant believed to be several days old, found

Questions raised on consumer protection laws in Sri Lanka

Questions have been raised as to whether there are sufficient laws in Sri Lanka to protect consumers from various hardships which they have to undergo in day to day life.

Over 123,000 arrested for drug offences in Sri Lanka so far in 2025

The Police and security forces have arrested 123,701 individuals for drug-related offences between January 1 and July 30, 2025, the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs said.

Digital ID to launch by April 2026 with strong privacy safeguards

The Digital Economy Ministry said that a National Digital Identity (Digital ID) system will be launched by April 2026, with strong emphasis on data privacy and citizen protection.

Drone operations over Perahera route suspended during Perahera days

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has announced a temporary suspension of all drone operations over the procession route during the Kandy Esala Perahera, which will be held from July 30 to August 9, 2025. They said the suspension aims to ensure public safety and security during the annual religious and cultural event, which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists.

Deaths of Opposition Leader of Yatinuwara PS and family Probe launched into suicide note alleging police involvement and threats

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala has directed the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to launch a special investigation into a letter reportedly written by Nilantha Champika, the Opposition Leader of the Yatinuwara Pradeshiya Sabha, who is believed to have taken his own life after allegedly murdering his wife and daughter.