Sri Lanka the host destination after 21 years for Rotary Institute 2026

Sri Lanka will host the Rotary Institute 2026 from December 18–20, marking the country’s return to hosting the event after a 21-year gap.

Re-route Colombo-Kandy rail line, SLSTL tells Govt.

Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics (SLSTL) called for the development of an alternate rail route from Colombo to Kandy in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah which caused extensive damage to the current line.

Opposition unite to oppose suppression of media

The opposition political parties have opposed the government’s move to take action against media which had reported on the recent disaster.

New anti terrorism bill is a Draconian piece of legislation: FLSP

The new anti terrorism Bill is a draconion piece of legislation as it gives powers to the President to ban any organisation, Front Line Socialist Party (FLSP) said yesterday.

Alongside India, China is set to play role in post-disaster rebuilding process

Alongside India, China is also likely to play a key role in Sri Lanka’s post-disaster rebuilding efforts, according to a top source.

Kandy MC decides to remove pavement hawkers

The Kandy Municipal Council has decided to remove all pavement hawkers in the city after December 31.

Up to 374,000 workers risk losing US$ 48 million monthly after Cyclone Ditwah – ILO

Up to 374,000 workers in Sri Lanka face potential income losses amounting to nearly US$ 48 million per month following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, according to a new brief released by the International Labour

WHO-recognized drug testing lab in the offing

Amid renewed concerns over the country’s lack of a WHO-accredited laboratory, Sri Lanka has begun upgrading its drug testing facilities to meet World Health Organization (WHO) accreditation standards.

Student who films elephant cruelty complains of injustice

The student recorded the incident to expose the abuse of a wild elephant, which was allegedly set on fire with torches by a group of individuals. The video later brought the incident to public attention.

Right of Reply; Right to Information Commission

In reference to the news report in your newspaper dated 11th of November 2025 with the heading “RTI Commission failed to address 308 requests for information last year”

BASL urges President to appoint permanent Auditor General without delay

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take immediate steps to appoint a permanent Auditor General in accordance with the Constitution, stressing that such an appointment is

NPP loses CMC budget CMC can bring a new budget within 14 days

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) administration has the option of presenting a fresh budget within 14 days, in accordance with the Local Government Ordinance, a long-standing member of the CMC said.

45 year imprisonment for sexual abuse of daughter

An accused who stood indicted with sexually abusing his eight-year-old daughter was found guilty and sentenced to 45 year imprisonment and fined Rs. 10.000 by Galle High Court Judge Purnima Paranagama.

Anuradhapura St. Joseph’s College 94/97 batch holds successful get-together

The 94/97 batch of St. Joseph’s College, Anuradhapura, successfully conducted their batch get-together recently with a series of meaningful events.

Court allows second contempt application in land dispute case

The District Court of Mount Lavinia has allowed summons to proceed on a second application for contempt of court in a long-standing land dispute involving contested ownership and alleged violations of court orders.

Removal of all buildings at 5,000ft. elevation in the central hills not feasible

Former Senior Professor from the Geological Science Faculty at the University of Peradeniya Athula Senaratne, said the decision to remove all constructions situated in the hill country at an elevation above 5,000 feet would adversely affect the country’s economy and tourism sector.

Cyclone Ditwah damages 83 archaeological sites in some form: Director General of Archaeology

Due to the recent destruction of Cyclone Ditwah and flash floods, as many as 83 archaeological sites have been damaged or destroyed in some form or the other, Director General of Archaeology, Thushitha N. W. Ranasinghe told the Daily Mirror.

Education Reforms bound to create conflicts between parents and children: Cardinal

The Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has warned that the education reforms proposed by the government could create conflict between parents and children and weaken family bonds.

Ondansetron controversy: Sri Lanka weighs Indian company’s request for global testing of its drug

Amid the ongoing probe into the withdrawn batches of the Ondansetron and request of the relevant Indian company to send samples for global testing, fresh concerns have been raised over Sri Lanka’s continued absence of a World Health Organization (WHO)-accredited laboratory for drug testing.

Probe launched after police officer allegedly attacked by group including NPP MP

A probe has been launched into an alleged assault on a police officer, with two police teams assigned to investigate claims that a group, including Ratnapura District National People’s Power (NPP) MP Shantha Padmakumara, attacked the officer while he was returning home after completing his duties.

Mahamaya Girls College closed indefinitely due to landslide threat

The Mahamaya Girls’ College in Kandy remains closed indefinitely as geologists warn of ongoing land instability on the slopes above the school premises. The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has stated it cannot recommend a date for resuming classes until comprehensive safety assessments are completed.

Embassy of Nepal in Sri Lanka Celebrates World Meditation Day with Swajagaran Programme

The Embassy of Nepal in Sri Lanka successfully organised the Swajagaran (Self-Awakening Meditation) Programme themed “Awakening Inner Stillness” to commemorate the United Nations-declared World Meditation Day on December 21, 2025.

Engineers say 8000 million needed to restore tanks in NCP

According to the Department of Irrigation an estimated Rs.8000 million will be required to restore the tanks and reservoirs and other irrigation works in the North Central Province affected by the recent floods.

Ondansetron tested before importation :Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance

The controversial Ondansetron Injection, which was later identified as containing a bacterial toxin, had undergone laboratory testing before being imported to Sri Lanka and was cleared at the time, Chairman of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, said.

In search of victims....

At a time when public officials are being criticised for lethargy and lack of commitment, both their commitment and dedication were amply demonstrated during the rescue and relief work during the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah which battered the country in late November.

Is Habitation in the Hill Country Safe?- Sajith questions

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday questioned whether the Central Hill Country is suitable for human habitation in the context of the current climate situation, and urged the authorities to conduct a comprehensive geological survey to assess the issue.

Recent disaster is a result of nature’s fury against unwarranted human activities: Vedda Chief

Vedda Chief Uruwarige Vannila Ettho said the ill-planned development projects and the human activities resulted in the recent natural disaster that caused much woe and sorrow in the country.

Pathfinder Foundation founder calls on Chief Prelates in Kandy

Founder of the Pathfinder Foundation, Milinda Moragoda called on the Maha Nayake Theras of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters, the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera and the Most Venerable

Viet Nam, Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral cooperation in energy sector

The Ambassador of Viet Nam to Sri Lanka, Trinh Thi Tam, recently paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Energy of Sri Lanka, Eng. Kumara Jayakody, to exchange views on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector—one

Fresh landslide risks trigger evacuations in some areas

Evacuation orders were issued yesterday for residents in several high-risk areas as heavy rainfall triggered landslide warnings and forced the opening of spill gates at major reservoirs, raising concerns that Sri Lanka may be on the brink