China introduces online visa application process for Sri Lankans

The Chinese Embassy in Colombo will officially launch the “China Visa Online Application System” from June 30, 2025, the Embassy announced yesterday.

HALO Trust completes landmine clearance in Northern Muhamalai

On the occasion of completing mine clearance in the North of Muhamalai, The HALO Trust – a humanitarian non-government organisation which primarily works to clear landmines organised an event to mark this significant milestone.

Keheliya, wife, and daughter remanded due to inability of fulfilling bail conditions

Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, his wife Kusum Priyadarshani , and daughter Chandula Ramalee Rambukwella, who were arrested by the Bribery Commission under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, were released on bail yesterday.

SJB member prevented from voting to aid NPP takeover of Kalpitiya PS: MP alleges

A newly elected member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to the Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha was deliberately prevented from casting his vote in order to allow the National People’s Power (NPP) to secure control of the council, an opposition MP alleged yesterday.

Programme launched to empower university students on climate resilience

A climate change ambassador programme amongst the university students in Sri Lanka, under the theme, ‘Fostering Climate Change Action Ambassadors: Empowering Youth for Climate Resilience (CCAA)’, was launched by Janathakshan GTE Ltd Sri Lanka in partnership with the HSBC recently.

Distribution of food and clothing in view of Gota’s B’day

Distribution of food and clothes among senior citizens at Gamini Matha Elders’ Home near Gangaramaya temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo will take place at 11.00 am tomorrow in view of the birthday of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

SL on alert as Iran-Israel conflict unpredictable: Minister

Sri Lanka is on alert as the Iran and Israel conflict has become unpredictable, Minister of External Affairs Vijitha Herath told Parliament yesterday.

‘CuttingEdge 2025’ kicks off

The Informatics Institute of Technology kicked off CuttingEdge 2025 at Temple Trees yesterday, inviting participants to embark on a journey beyond the horizon and explore a world of limitless possibilities.

Pada Yatra pilgrims commence journey to Kataragama

The second group of 40 Pada Yatra pilgrims journeying on foot from the hill country to attend the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala Esala festival set off from Nallathinniya Monday evening (16).

Dr. Krishantha Pathiraja represents SL at Tamil Nadu Research and Development Summit

Dr. Krishantha Pathiraja (PhD) had the distinguished honour of representing Sri Lanka as a special guest at the International Foundation of Tamil Nadu Research and Development Summit, held recently in India. The event

Army Engineers Assn. award uni scholarships to children of Army veterans

The ceremony for the awarding of university scholarship by the Sri Lanka Army Engineer Association to the children of army veterans will be held at Mattegoda Army Engineers complex today at 4.00 pm

Opposition to lodge complaints against Speaker with IPU and CPU

Accusing Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne of violating globally accepted parliamentary norms by acting in a partisan manner, the Opposition announced yesterday that it will file formal complaints against him with the Inter-Parliamentary

Assistance from President’s Fund sought to reward police officer killed in Weligama shootout – Acting IGP

A sum of Rs. 2.5 million has been requested from the President’s Fund to provide a reward for the police officer who died during the W15 Hotel shootout in Weligama, Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Wijesuriya

STF officer goes missing, half a million cash shortfall found in the Fund under him

An Officer of the Gampola STF (Special Task Force) camp who was in charge of the finance branch has been missing since last Saturday, and a cash shortfall of Rs.577,200 has been found in the fund under him.

Turkish military ship calls on Colombo Port

Turkish Ambassador Semih Lütfü Turgut, on the occasion ofthe TCG Büyükada military ship’s Colombo Port Visit, said Türkiye and Sri Lanka share common aspirations for peace, prosperity, and stability in their respective regions and beyond.

SLMC condemns Israeli attack on Iran

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader MP Rauff Hakeem who condemned Israel’s attack on Iran said it is utterly unconscionable that the Netanyahu Government,

SLLLA says no liquor company sponsored tax week awareness, but used its own money

Sri Lanka Liquor Licensee’s Association (SLLLA) yesterday denied any involvement of a liquor company sponsoring an awareness programme organised by them in line with the government’s National Tax Week and said that they used their own money for the event.

New domestic airline gains approval for Colombo–Jaffna

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has officially granted an Aircraft Operator Certificate (AOC) and operational specifications to David Peiris Aviation (Pvt) Ltd, a newly established airline subsidiary of the David Peiris Group.

SC orders NIC recognition for Buddhist Bhikkhuni, citing violation of fundamental rights

In a landmark judgement upholding the right to equal treatment, the Supreme Court, by majority decision yesterday, issued an order directing the Commissioner General of the Department of Registration of Persons to issue a National Identity Card (NIC) to a Buddhist Bhikkhuni, recognising her status as a Bhikkhuni instead of “Sil Matha”.

AG to raise objections against FR petitions challenging the legality of Sri Lanka-India MoUs

The Attorney General’s Department yesterday informed the Supreme Court that it expects to file objections to two Fundamental Rights petitions filed challenging the legality of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka and India.

Govt. authorities boycott National Tax Week awareness programme

A host of senior public officials including that of the Ministry of Finance have boycotted an awareness programme organized in line with the National Tax Week, as a top liquor company said to have sponsored the event had promoted its products during the event, the Daily Mirror learns.

SLAF deploys first Aeromedical Evacuation Team to UN Mission

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) deployed its first-ever Aeromedical Evacuation Team (AMET) to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic.

Father’s duty never ceases…

‘Fathers’ Day’ which fell yesterday was not a celebration for this father. He braves the heavy rain to carry out his daily duties, reflecting the silent resilience and commitment of working fathers.

Assets of 88 crime and fraud suspects seized

The Sri Lanka Police have frozen the assets of 88 individuals linked to organized crime and financial fraud.

Vedda chief cuts birthday cake with axe

Vedda Chief Uruvarige Wannila Eththo celebrated his 78th birthday yesterday. A large gathering including those of his clan were present at the ceremony in Dambana. The Vedda Chief upholding the traditions of his clan cut the birthday cake with his axe.

Mujibur Rahman secures injunction against YouTube channels under Online Safety Act

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman has obtained injunction orders against several YouTube channels under the provisions of the Online Safety Act, following the circulation of phone recordings allegedly involving SJB discussions with newly elected municipal council members in an effort to win their support.

Norton Bridge - Maskeliya - Sri Pada road closed for ten days due to the caving in of a bridge

Heavy rain experienced in the central hills has caused obstructions to traffic on highways and bi-roads including Hatton – Nuwara Eliya and Hatton - Colombo highways.

Cataract surgery camp on Poson Poya Day

On the sacred occasion of Poson Full Moon Poya Day, a remarkable cataract surgery camp was held at the Kuliyapitiya Teaching Hospital, led by Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Kasun Gunawardana.

Hotel elevator collapses killing 19-yr old employee in Moratuwa

Part of an elevator in a four storied hotel in Moratuwa had collapsed causing the death of an employee. The deceased Ravindu Peiris (19) was a resident of Arukkgoda area.

SC orders to address overcrowding at Anuradhapura Central College

The Supreme Court yesterday directed the Ministry of Education to increase the number of classrooms in order to resolve the issue of student overcrowding at Anuradhapura Central College, which has a negative impact on the