Time to show gratitude to Ranil: Sagala

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe took over a country with a completely collapsed economy when every other leader hesitated. Therefore, this is the time to express our gratitude to him, former United National Party (UNP) MP Sagala Rathnayaka said.

SC commences hearing into petitions against Presidents’ Entitlements Bill

The Supreme Court commenced the hearing of seven Special Determination petitions filed challenging the constitutionality of the proposed Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill.

Animal Welfare Coalition urges WHO to intervene in Sri Lanka’s rabies eradication efforts

The Animal Welfare Coalition – Sri Lanka (AWC) has written to the World Health Organization (WHO), warning that the country’s rabies eradication programme is at risk due to the exclusion of the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) from national planning.

Chinese businessman kidnapped in Colombo, robbed of USD 60,000 in USDT

The Kollupitiya Police launched an investigation after a group of Chinese nationals in Sri Lanka had allegedly kidnapped a Chinese businessman in Colombo and robbed him of approximately USD 60,000 (about Rs. 180 million) through the USDT cryptocurrency system, police said.

Ranil unable to appear in court on Aug. 26 due to ill-health: Hospital sources

Although former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate on August 26, hospital officials said his prevailing health condition will prevent him from appearing in court on that day.

Long-distance buses to operate under joint timetable from midnight

The National Transport Commission (NTC) announced that long-distance bus services operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and the private sector will run under a joint timetable starting from midnight today.

Japanese city proposes two-hour daily limit for smartphone use

The city of Toyoake in Aichi Prefecture will urge all smartphone users to limit screen time to two hours a day outside work or school under a proposed ordinance that includes no penalties.

SpaceX calls off Starship megarocket launch in latest setback

SpaceX called off a planned test flight for its Starship megarocket on Sunday, saying it needed time to troubleshoot problems, in the latest setback for Elon Musk’s behemoth after a series of explosive failures.

National Guard troops in Washington, DC, begin carrying weapons

US National Guard members deployed to Washington, DC, started carrying their sidearms on Sunday, a spokesperson for the Joint Task Force carrying out the mission told CNN.

Zelenskyy thanks Sri Lankan President

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has extended his heartfelt gratitude to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for his warm wishes on the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day.

YouTubers announce judicial decisions in advance only in countries under dictatorship, authoritarianism’ - Sajith Premadasa

Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa yesterday evening said that when politically affiliated Youtubers could announce judicial decisions days in advance, this is an insult to the judiciary, the Constitution and the supreme law of the country and this behaviour belongs in countries under dictatorship and authoritarianism.

Closed booths, stalled toll automation choke expressways during rush hours

Congestion at Sri Lanka’s expressway toll gates has worsened, especially during peak hours, with motorists facing long waits as multiple booths remain closed due to staff shortages and prolonged delays in introducing automated tolling systems, the Daily Mirror learns.

Ranil calls for unity within opposition

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed his party and some key opposition members that they must remain united at this moment and fight to ensure that democracy is upheld.

Trump to attend Ryder Cup & backs Bradley to play

United States president Donald Trump says he will attend the 2025 Ryder Cup next month - and wants Keegan Bradley to be the USA’s first playing captain since 1963.

Erik Solheim urges immediate release of Ranil Wickremesinghe

Former Norwegian peace envoy to Sri Lanka, Erik Solheim, has called for the urgent release of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, citing concerns over his health while in detention.

Special police unit to probe over Sudatta’s pre-arrest claim on Ranil

A Special Police Investigation Unit is to launch an investigation into a statement made by YouTuber Sudatta Thilakasiri prior to the arrest and remanding of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Colombo international kite festival

Namal accuses government of political revenge, warns of state dismantling

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa today accused the government of engaging in political revenge to cover up its failures and attempting to dismantle state machinery.

Postal workers to resume duties today; Fingerprint attendance from Monday

Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said Postal workers have agreed to resume duties from 4.00 pm today (24) following discussions with union representatives and said that from Monday, fingerprint attendance systems will be introduced at the operations and administrative divisions of the central mail exchange.

Zelensky vows to continue fighting as Ukraine marks independence day

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine would continue to fight for its freedom in an address to the nation on its independence day.

Postal and GMOA strikes called off

The Postal Department trade unions and the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) have decided to call off their planned strike following discussions with Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

Vietnam plans mass evacuation, China’s Sanya shuts as Typhoon Kajiki intensifies

Vietnam plans to evacuate more than half a million people and has ordered boats to stay ashore, while the southern Chinese city of Sanya closed businesses and public transport on Sunday as the two countries braced for an intensifying Typhoon Kajiki.

’If you wound a snake and don’t kill it, it will strike back’ - FLSP comments on Ranil’s arrest

Referring to the arrest and remanding of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe , the Frontline Socialist Party (FLSP) said, ’’If you wound a snake and don’t kill it, it will strike back.’’

Political backlash over arrest

Island-wide hospital strike from tomorrow

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) will launch an island-wide strike in all government hospitals from 8.00 a.m. tomorrow (25).

Applications open for 1,408 primary grade medical officer posts

The Ministry of Health has called for applications to appoint 1,408 doctors who have completed their internship as Primary Grade Medical Officers.

National Hospital treating Ranil Wickremesinghe under close watch: Rukshan Bellana

Colombo National Hospital Deputy Director Dr. Rukshan Bellana said that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe who was admitted to the National Hospital, is receiving treatment under strict medical supervision.

Opposition accuses Govt of weaponizing law in Wickremesinghe arrest

Opposition parties today held a joint press conference in Colombo strongly condemning the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, accusing the government of weaponizing the law to suppress political opponents.

“Anyone can make predictions”, Nalinda on YouTuber’s comment on Ranil

Minister and Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa dismissed concerns over a YouTuber’s prediction about the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, saying that “anyone can make predictions” and such remarks do not imply government interference.

MP Shashi Tharoor raises concern over Ranil’s health in custody

Indian Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has raised concern over the detention of former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, cautioning against what he described as “the politics of vengeance.”