CAPSL stages protest in front of U.S. Embassy

The Coalition Against Partition of Sri Lanka (CAPSL) staged a protest yesterday in front of the U.S. Embassy against U.S. Envoy Julie Chung, accusing her of violating diplomatic protocols. The protesters also alleged that USAID funds were being used to undermine Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and create divisions among its communities. They called on U.S. authorities to recall Ms. Chung.

LGBTIQ rights groups urge new Govt. to decriminalize same-sex affairs between SL women

Social activist groups lobbying for LGBTIQ rights yesterday urged the new government to make necessary legal reforms to decriminalize same-sex relationships between consenting adult women in Sri Lanka, as stated by the NPP policies to improve welfare of the LGBTIQ community.

Sindunu Warapata’ Sinhala novel to be launched in Brisbane

Dr. Nimal Sedera a senior author living in Brisbane, Australia will be launching his latest novel ‘Sindunu Warapata’ on February 15th at 5.00pm at the Community Hall in Acacia ridge.

Debate on Local Authorities Election (Special Provisions) Bill: Opposition agrees to take up the debate: Gayantha

The opposition has agreed to take up the debate on proposed Local Authorities (Special Provisions) Bill on Monday February 17 in order to avoid a further delay in holding the local government election, Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilaka said yesterday.

Sinhala translations of five Jataka Tales Amar Chitra Katha comic books launched

The High Commission of India in Colombo marked a significant milestone with the launch of the Sinhala translations of five Jataka Tales Amar Chitra Katha comic books on the occasion of Navam Full Moon Poya Day at the revered Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya.

All night pirith at Ananda Sastralaya today

An all-night prith chanting ceremony will be held today and tomorrow to mark the 135th anniversary of the school. It will be held at the school premises to invoke blessings on the founders, past pupils, teachers and students as well. Principal of the school D. C. Nilmini and the staff are expected to participate in the ceremony.

Senior DIG Asanka Karawita to oversee CID and FCID

Under the government’s plan to restructure the police service, both the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) had been placed under Senior DIG Asanka Karawita. The National Police Commission has approved the transfer of Senior DIG Karawita from his current role overseeing the Senior DIG of Community Police, Tourism, and Investment, to head the CID and FCID with effect from February 12.

Chinese Embassy distributes dry rations to flood-affected families in Jaffna

Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy, Zhu Yanwei, distributed dry rations among 1,070 families in 15 Divisional Secretariats in the Jaffna District affected by the recent floods.

High-budget film ‘Guru Geethaya’ passes 60th day of screening

The high-budget film ‘Guru Geethaya’ currently being screened very successfully countrywide passed its 60th day of screening at a special ceremony held at the National Film Corporation last week, with a distinguished audience from both arts and political fields.

Defence leaders discuss evolving global Security at Colombo Air Symposium

The Colombo Air Symposium 2025 (CAS), the annual international academic forum organized by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), commenced yesterday (10 February 2025), for the seventh consecutive year at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo.

Govt. to establish Independent Prosecutor’s Office

The Ministry of Justice and National Integration has decided to establish an Independent Prosecutor’s Office, as stated in the election manifesto of the National People’s Power (NPP).

India congratulates SL on launch of ‘GovPay’ digital payment platform

India has extended its congratulations to the Government of Sri Lanka for the launch of the ‘GovPay’ platform, designed to digitize all government payments.

Foreign cigarettes valued Rs.4.5Mn seized at BIA, suspect arrested

A consignment of foreign cigarettes valued Rs. 4.5 million was seized and an air passenger who attempted to smuggle it into the country was arrested by the Police Anti-Narcotics Bureau officials at Katunayake International Airport on Sunday night.

A new mechanism to monitor drones would be implemented - Air Force Chief

Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe said yesterday that a new mechanism would be implemented in the near future to monitor drones operated by various individuals in the Sri Lankan sky, as they could be a security threat.

A home for aged opens in Thuduwa

Thuduwa Home For The Aged, an affiliate of Bentota Sugatha Home for the Aged, was declared open recently with the distinguished participation of President of “Ayubowan” Foundation of Sri Lanka Madam Connie, and several German representatives who sponsored the project .

Four hospitalised after inhaling smoke from generator

Four people were admitted to Bogawantalawa Divisional Hospital on the afternoon of February 9 after inhaling smoke from a generator, according to the hospital’s District Medical Officer, A.S.K. Jayasuriya.

SL Navy joins commencement of AMAN-2025

The multinational naval exercise AMAN-2025, hosted by the Pakistan Navy for the ninth time, commenced at Pakistan Navy Dockyard in Karachi on 07 Feb 25. The event was attended by Commanding Officer and crew of SLNS Vijayabahu, representing the Sri Lanka Navy.

Estranged wife hacked to death for refusing reunion

A woman living in separation from her husband was hacked to death by the latter on Saturday night (08). Her daughter who intervened to save her mother had also received serious injuries.

Cabinet paper to be presented soon for scrapping MPs’ privileges

While New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Ravi Karunanayake has tabled a Private Members’ Motion in Parliament on Friday seeking the abolition of the pension scheme for Members of Parliament, the government is also preparing to present a Cabinet paper on the same matter, in par with the K.T.Chitrasiri Committee

Endless passport queues not due to lack of staff but lack of material - DIE

The prevailing endless passport queues are not due to the lack of staff at the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) but owing to the shortage of material to be issued as per the public demand, and the issuance of passports will be increased up to 5,000 a day in the coming weeks,an official said.

SLAF to host 7th Colombo Air Symposium

The Colombo Air Symposium (CAS) 2025, the annual international academic forum of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), will commence for the seventh consecutive time today (10) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo.

SJB, UNP talks focus on LG polls, no agreement on leadership

Samagi Jana Balawegaya ( SJB) and United National Party (UNP) have held four rounds of talks seeking merger in view of future elections, but there is no agreement yet on the leader of the proposed amalgam.

Interpol assistance sought to bring Policeman who fled to Dubai

Police to seek Interpol assistance to bring a police constable attached to the Mount Lavinia Police Station who fled to Dubai after escaping with a T-56 firearm and 30 rounds of ammunition.

Media rights groups mulling legal action against AG’s behaviour

Sri Lankan media rights groups are mulling to resort to legal action against the behaviour of the Attorney General with regards to the Lasantha Wickrematunge murder case and propose the government to set up an Independent Prosecution Office, an NPP election manifesto promise, the Daily Mirror learns.

Be careful when drinking tap water, opposition MP warns

Someone in the present government has earned large sums of money by importing hydrated lime with a high content of chromium, Opposition MP D. V. Chanaka told Parliament.

Few Easter Sunday attack victims may engage in bluffing

There may be few victims of Easter Sunday attack who may bluff saying they have not received a cent as compensation despite receiving some amount, , Member of the Communications Committee Archdiocese of Colombo Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando said yesterday.

Easter Sunday attacks: Azad Maulana should be questioned: Catholic Church

Whilst highlighting that Criminal Investigation Department (CID) should be allowed to carry out investigations on the Easter Sunday attacks independently, Member of the Communications Committee Archdiocese of Colombo Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando yesterday said onetime Secretary of MP Sivanesathurei Chandrakanthan Azad Maulana should be probed.

Additional Secretary files FR against Ministry Secretary

Senior Administrative Officer W.S. Satyananda has filed a Fundamental Rights Petition before the Supreme Court, stating that after his appointment as the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, the Secretary of the Transport Ministry has been violating his fundamental rights by obstructing him from serving in that position.

Over 3000 Sri Lankans among the over 1.4 mn illegal immigrants: US begins deportation of illegal Sri Lankan immigrants

The United States has started deporting migrants who entered the country illegally, with more than 3,000 Sri Lankans among the over 1.4 million individuals scheduled for removal under the Trump administration’s new policy.

No vehicle imports or permits for ministers: Ministers need to arrange their own transport amid economic challenges: Cabinet Minister

Amid the current economic situation in the country, the government has decided not to import vehicles for Ministers.