India - Pakistan conflict: Sri Lanka on heightened alert over Possible implications

Amid fears that India and Pakistan are on the brink of a wider conflict, Sri Lanka currently remains alert on possible implications for the country and its people, particularly for those studying and working in these two countries.

3rd Edition of Eng. (Dr.) A.C. Visvalingam Annual Award for Most Outstanding Engineer launched in Colombo

The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) called for nominees for the Eng. (Dr.) A. C. Visvalingam Annual Award For Most Outstanding Engineer at their launch held at the IESL, Colombo, yesterday.

Who will get CMC?

Failure by all political parties which contested for the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), to secure a majority has left race open to form the new administration and for the mayor’s post.

Booze banned for three days for Vesak: Excise

Countrywide liquor sales will be banned for three days for the upcoming Vesak Festival as decided by the Cabinet of Ministers, the Department of Excise announced yesterday.

SC issues landmark judgment on illegal road via Wilpattu NP

On May 7 (Tuesday), the Supreme Court terminated the Fundamental Rights case (SC/FR/224/2010) challenging the unauthorised public use of an illegal road running through Wilpattu National Park following key undertakings by the State represented by Deputy Solicitor General Dr. Avanti Perera,

Death of a suspect while in Prison: BASL calls for impartial investigation

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called for an immediate, impartial, and independent investigation into the tragic death of a suspect, who was remanded and later died while in prison custody.

Suspect arrested over attempted abduction near girls’ school in Colombo

The Cinnamon Gardens Police have arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with an attempted abduction near a prominent girls’ school in Colombo, police said.

Seven students released on bail

A group of seven students from the Sri Jayawardenepura University who were arrested in connection with the alleged criminal assault on a fellow student were produced before the Homagama Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriiya last morning and released on personal bail of Rs.300,000 each.

SLPP defeated in Medamulana

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna had lost the election for Medamulana ward in Weeraktiya Pradeshiya Sabha at the local government election.

No barrier to forming councils without majority: EC

In the recently concluded Local Government Election, it’s not a barrier to form an administration where there is no majority, said Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake.

UK plans visa restrictions on Sri Lanka

The UK government is considering restricting visa applications from Sri Lanka as part of a broader immigration crackdown aimed at curbing abuse of work and study visas.

Police probe foiled abduction near girls’ school in Colombo

The Cinnamon Gardens Police have launched an investigation into an attempted abduction near a leading girls’ school in Colombo, police said.

CID to quiz Thusitha Halloluwa over defamation of President

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has summoned former Executive Director of the National Lotteries Board, Thusitha Halloluwa to record a statement over the alleged defamatory and false statement

Patient dies of allergic reaction after rabies vaccine

A patient vaccinated against hydrophobia has died after being vaccinated at Gampola Base Hospital. Preliminary investigations revealed that he had been vaccinated with Rabies Equine Antiserum imported

Remanding a man for ringing of phone Legal fraternity raises concerns over contempt laws following custodial death

The death of a 46-year-old man held in remand custody for alleged contempt of court has sparked widespread concern among legal professionals and civil society over the sweeping powers granted to the

Man falls to death trying to steal gem from Seenigama Devala statue

A man who tried to remove a precious stone affixed to the forehead of Devol Deviyo (deity) of ancient Seenigama Maha Devalaya, which is situated on an offshore islet in Seenigama, fell to his death on

Japan discusses developments in East China, South China Seas with Sri Lanka

In light of the increasingly complex and unpredictable regional and global security environment, Japan and Sri Lanka agreed that it is essential to further strengthen the bilateral partnership,

Bribed money outweighs earnings for Govt. from court fines, compensations

The government has earned Rs.462,000 in terms of fines and compensation over bribery cases during the first quarter of this year, but the value of bribed money far outweighs it, totalling Rs.6.5 million, according to data published by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

No arrests yet in Rs. 4.5Mn Swiss envoy’s residence theft case

The Kollupitiya Police are yet to make a breakthrough in the theft at the official residence of the Swiss Ambassador, where gold jewellery—including a diamond-studded ring—and luxury wristwatches worth approximately Rs. 4.5 million were reported stolen from a safe.

Gun violence continues unabated with 28 shot dead

A rise in shootings linked to the underworld and drug trafficking continues to alarm the public, with the latest incident in Mount Lavinia adding to growing concerns over safety.

Unidentified group captures stray dogs, triggering concerns

An organised gang capturing stray dogs in villages around Moragahakanda reservoir and by the Elahera Road has aroused suspicion of the residents of the area that the dogs are slaughtered for meat.

Badulla voters urged to cast ballots early due to bad weather

Badulla District Secretary and Returning Officer Panduka Sri Prabhath Abeywardene requested the voters to call over at the polling stations early and cast their vote in view of the inclement weather experienced at present in the district.

Flood threat not an obstacle to election

District Secretary K.M.G. Nishantha told the media yesterday that the prevailing inclement weather experienced in the Ratnapura District would not cause any obstructions to the poll.

SLTB officers remanded over allegations of soliciting a bribe

Two officials attached to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Eastern Province Regional Office were remanded till May 9, by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali yesterday over the allegations of soliciting a bribe of Rs.100,000 to influence a disciplinary inquiry.

Avoid exposure to excessive heat while queuing up for voting today, warns health expert

Health authorities have warned people not to expose themselves to the intense heat experienced in several areas in the country when they wait in queues at polling stations.

15 Sri Lankans trapped in Myanmar cyber camps to be rescued

Fifteen Sri Lankans who have been trapped in cybercrime centres in Myawaddy, Myanmar, are to be rescued today, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Ven. Hemarathana Nayaka Thera felicitated

The Ven. Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, Chief Sanghanayaka of Nuwara Kalaviya and Atamasthanadhipathi, was honored at a felicitation ceremony on Saturday (3) at the BMICH after receiving an honorary doctorate from India’s Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in February - the first such recognition for a Sri Lankan monk from a Tibetan institution.

Pathfinder Foundation receives a delegation from Sichuan University

Pathfinder Foundation hosted a high-level delegation from the China Centre for South Asian Studies of Sichuan University at its headquarters in Peliyagoda.

Health Ministry still following Keheliya method in medicine procurement: FLSP

The Front Line Socialist Party (FLSP) yesterday alleged that the current government is continuing the old practice of procuring substandard medicines at higher prices.

From peons to Additional Ministry Secretaries will perform duties in tomorrow’s LG polls

A total cadre of 250, 000 government servants ranging from office assistants, clerks and even up to Additional Secretaries of ministries will be deployed to perform various duties pertaining to tomorrow’s Local Government elections to be held countrywide for 339 local bodies, an official said.