Authorities on alert as Ice addicts switching to Painkiller on the rise

Medical and law enforcement authorities are on alert as a growing trend is evident of drug abusers, especially those who are addicted to Ice (Crystal Methamphetamine) switching to use popular painkiller Pregabalin, as a substitute is

Cabinet approves online passport system for overseas Sri Lankans

The Cabinet approved a joint proposal to implement an online system for Sri Lankans abroad to apply for foreign passports through selected Sri Lankan missions and offices overseas.

Over 144,000 Sri Lankans left country for foreign jobs in 2025

A total of 144,379 Sri Lankan workers have left the country for foreign employment during the first six months of 2025, according to data released by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).

Car falls into Viyana canal, killing two

A car with two passengers on board had veered off the road and fallen into the Viyana canal at Mapakada in the early hours of last morning. The two passengers had died in the incident.

Opposition parties concerned over SJB-NPP alliance in Beruwala PS

A group of senior figures from several opposition parties have expressed concern over the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)’s decision to form a joint administration in the Beruwala Pradeshiya Sabha alongside the National People’s

A judge and clerk attached to Kaduruwela Quazi Court remanded

A judge and a clerk attached to the Kaduruwela Quazi Court were arrested on July 4th by officers from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over a bribery incident and ordered to be

Young suspect finally released after nine months

A young man who had been on remand for nine months on suspicion of protesting against Israel through social media was released on bail yesterday by Mount Lavinia Addl. Magistrate Hemali Halpathdeniya.

Gradual privatization of Eastern Terminal underway: FLSP

The Front Line Socialist Party (FLSP) has alleged that the government has initiated a covert move to privatize the Eastern Terminal, following a recent cabinet decision to establish a limited liability company to manage it.

Three officials arrested in vehicle registration scam

Three officials, including a former Assistant Secretary of the Department of Motor Traffic, have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with the illegal registration of a vehicle.

Secret ballot: Court unties Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara’s hands

A writ petition filed seeking an interim order to prevent the respondents, including Western Province Local Government Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara,

Caution urged for Sri Lanka’s South Sudan crude deal

Sri Lanka’s interest in diversifying its oil supply portfolio by exploring crude imports from South Sudan may pose serious political, logistical, and technical challenges, Sri Lanka’s former Ambassador to South Sudan, Kana Kananathan warned.

Madduma Bandara rules out revamp of SJB while some MPs favour changes

There is no plan to revamp the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) despite reports that some MPs and party organizers have made such a request, party General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said yesterday.

CEO of Saudi Fund for Development to arrive in Sri Lanka

Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Fund for Development (SFD ) Sultan Al Marshad will visit Sri Lanka today to open US $ 28 million worth ‘Wayamba University Township Development Project’ which was implemented under a grant by the Saudi Government, according to the Saudi Embassy in Sri Lanka.

‘Sri Lanka Ayurveda Evening’ held in Luxembourg

Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels and ‘Karunakarala Ayurveda Resort’ in Waikkal Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Union Luxembourgeoise de Tourisme (ULT) in Luxembourg, organized ‘Sri Lanka Ayurveda Evening’ on July 2, 2025 at Goeres Hotel in Luxembourg. The event aimed to promote Sri Lanka as a premier wellness tourism destination in Luxembourg, and it attracted over 70 participants including travel writers, travel agents and travellers with an i

Arrested for forging SLFP General Secretary’s signature

The Colombo Fraud Bureau has arrested a person for forging the signature of the SLFP General Secretary and producing a nomination paper for the Local Government election.

Government is not a redeemer says Right Wing Collective

The Government is not a redeemer which brings freedom to the people though some people think it is, was the message which came out of a seminar organized by Right Wing Collective in Colombo recently.

Tourist hotel gutted

A tourist hotel at Kandakumbura area in Ella had been gutted when a fire broke out in the adjacent jungle spread over a ten acre land. Police said no casualties were reported

Safety of tourists who visit islands in Jaffna will be assured: Minister

In the aftermath of a boat tragedy in Neduntheevu where a group of tourists had been rescued, Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar yesterday assured that maximum steps would be taken to ensure the safety of tourists who visit islands in the North.

UNDP stresses ethical governance and law enforcement for eradication of corruption

UNDP yesterday stressed ethical governance and law enforcement for eradication of corruption when its resident representative Azusa Kubota and team met Secretary to the President Dr. Nadika Senarath Kumanayake yesterday.

Misuse of Government lands reported to CID

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation have filed complaints with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) concerning the large-scale misuse of lands in the past. Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe told media that complaints have been lodged regarding three major land plots under the Land Reforms Commission.

Govt. officials to be fined for failing to declare assets from today

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has informed all heads of government institutions that fines will be imposed on government officials who fail to submit their assets and liabilities declarations, effective from today (14th), official sources said.

Sri Lankans more digitally literate than computer-literate

Sri Lankans are more digitally literate than computer–literate, according to a recent survey by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS).

Release of red-labelled containers: Dayasiri, Bimal Ratnayake in showdown

In a dramatic turn of events in Parliament yesterday, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera alleged that Minister of Transport, Ports and Aviation, Bimal Ratnayake, had ordered the release of 309 red-labelled containers—an

Sri Lanka awaits details on underworld arrests in Malaysia

Despite reports that several Sri Lankans, including notorious underworld figures Manudinu Padmasiri Perera alias ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’ and ‘Commando Salintha’, have been arrested in Malaysia, local authorities are yet to receive official confirmation, the Daily Mirror learns.

Is the Government divided on KDU? – Talatha questions leadership stance

Referring to recent remarks by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and directives issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake regarding the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Talatha Athukorala yesterday questioned whether the government is divided on how the institution should be administered.

Fire-walking ceremony held in Kataragama

The fire-walking ceremony in Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala Esala festival was performed in the early hours of last morning under the supervision of Basnayake Nilame Dishan Gunasekara and the Kapuralas of the Maha Devala.

Specialists urge probe into anti-doctor remarks online

The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has raised serious concern over the growing trend of non-medical individuals publicly commenting on complex medical and surgical decisions warning that such irresponsible behaviour

SLAP President’s Message: “Printing for Prosperity”

As the newly elected President of the Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP), it is both an honour and a responsibility to lead this vital industry into a future full of promise and transformation. Representing over 4,000

Only 30% of Sri Lankan women use sanitary napkins: Study

Only 30% of the 4.2 million menstruating women in Sri Lanka regularly use sanitary napkins, highlighting a critical gap in menstrual hygiene awareness and access across the country.

Outdated archaeological laws must be amended: Deputy Minister

More than 100-year-old archaeological regulations should be amended to address longstanding issues in Sri Lanka’s archaeological sector, Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake