Retired senior DIG Priyantha Jayakody remanded

Retired Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Priyantha Jayakody, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for allegedly lodging a false complaint, has been remanded until August 6.

Sri Lanka ranked the Most Beautiful Island in the World

Sri Lanka has been crowned the most beautiful island in the world, taking the top spot on the list of ’’The 50 Best Islands in the World’’ compiled by global travel site Big 7 Travel.

Coastal authority targets cracking down illegal beach buildings with annual fees

The Coastal Conservation Department is planning to introduce annual fines for unauthorised structures built along the beach, including those that have existed for over 25 years.

Planned train strike called off

The Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union has called off the 48-hour token strike that was scheduled to commence from midnight today.

Namal Rajapaksa will be next president: Johnston Fernando says

All intelligence reports about the next presidential election have already confirmed that Namal Rajapaksa will be the next President of Sri Lanka, former Minister Johnston Fernando said.

Namal’s arrest warrant revoked

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa was granted bail today after appearing before the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court, leading to the revocation of the arrest warrant issued against him yesterday (28).

Beedi license renewal drops after tax increase: Parliamentary Committee reveals

The renewal of beedi licenses of beedi manufacturers has dropped remarkably after the increase in tobacco tax on beedi sticks, which has resulted in a revenue loss, a Parliamentary Committee has revealed.

Jayewardenepura Hospital chairman resigns

Chairman of the Sri Jayawardenapura General Hospital, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Jayanga Tilakaratna has tendered his resignation to the Minister of Health, the Daily Mirror learns.

'Sumedha' spotted again in Minneriya National Park

‘Sumedha’, the well-known elephant native to the Minneriya National Park, was captured on camera once again by a visitor to the park as she roamed the Minneriya Tank Reserve on yesterday (28).

No O/L results needed for A/L vocational admission: Ministry

Applications are currently being invited for admission to Grade 12 in the Advanced Level Vocational stream for the 2025/2026 academic year. The results of the G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) examination are not considered for admission to this stream, providing students the opportunity to obtain a vocational qualification (NVQ Level 4) that is recognized both locally and internationally.

Borella accident: Driver remanded, vehicle owner granted bail

Nimantha Senadeera, the driver of the tipper truck involved in the road accident in the Borella area yesterday, was ordered to be remanded till August 7 by Colombo Additional Magistrate M.N. Reezvan.

Southern Delta Aquarii meteor shower tonight

Skygazers will be treated to a spectacular celestial display tonight as the Southern Delta Aquarii meteor shower reaches its peak, Astronomy and Engineering Lecturer Gihan Weerasekara said.

Concerns mount over delays in Provincial Council elections

Concerns are growing over the continued delay in holding Provincial Council (PC) elections, with some accusing the Elections Commission of deliberately stalling the process under the pretext of legal uncertainty.

Namal, President should make submissions to judiciary: SJB

Relevant parties should make submissions to the judiciary on the tour of MP Namal Rajapaksa to the Maldives, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National Organiser Tissa Attanayake said today.

SriLankan airlines named ‘Best Airline for South Asia’

SriLankan Airlines has been crowned the ‘Best Airline for South Asia’ at the prestigious International Tourism Conclave and Travel Awards held recently in Delhi, India — reaffirming its position as a leading regional carrier.

Train drivers to begin 48-hour strike tonight

The Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union (LOEU) today announced that it will go ahead with its planned 48-hour strike starting tonight, citing unresolved concerns over malfunctioning railway signal systems and long-standing delays in grade-based promotions.

Duminda Dissanayake released from gold-plated firearm case

Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake was released from the case filed against him over the alleged possession of a gold-plated firearm.

Kuttiarachchi tenders unconditional apology to AKD over defamatory remarks

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) former Parliamentarian Tissa Kuttiarachchi today tendered his unconditional apology over an alleged defamatory statement he had made referring to the National People’s Power (NPP) and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in 2023.

Govt’s diplomatic nominee Vijitha Herath in hot soup

Parliament’s High Posts Committee has deferred endorsement of the nomination of H.M.V.B. Vijitha Herath to a senior diplomatic position, following a series of allegations involving falsification of official records, unlawful possession of government documents, and misrepresentation of citizenship status.

China offers parents $500 a year in bid to boost births

Parents in China are being offered 3,600 yuan (£375; $500) a year for each of their children under the age of three in the government’s first nationwide subsidy aimed at boosting birth rates.

IMF restrictions on tax exemptions stand in the way of attracting FDIs

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) restriction on granting tax exemption has kept key FDI (Foreign Direct Investments) projects on hold.

Aswesuma allowance for elderly to be credited tomorrow

The monthly allowance for elderly persons receiving Aswesuma benefits will be credited to their bank accounts tomorrow (30), the Welfare Benefits Board said.

Marking 150-year legacy

Eight special trains for Kandy Esala perahera

The Sri Lanka Railways Department has announced that eight special train services will operate for the convenience of pilgrims and tourists travelling to Kandy for the Randoli Perahera of the annual Esala Perahera.

Opposition Leader of Yatinuwara PS, family found dead

Police said that the bodies of the Opposition Leader of the Yatinuwara Pradeshiya Sabha, his wife, and their daughter were discovered at their residence in Yahalatenna.

Former senior DIG arrested over false complaint

Former Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Priyantha Jayakody has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for allegedly filing a false complaint claiming that underworld figure ’Kehelbaddara Padme’ had threatened him.

Underworld figure ‘Midigama Sahan’ caught returning from India

An organized crime gang member, Hikkaduwa Liyanage Sahan Sisikelum, alias Midigama Sahan, was arrested by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the arrival terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night while returning from India.

Retired MPs collective contemplating legal action against slashing of pensions

Retired MPs Collective is contemplating legal action if MPs pension is abolished, its secretary Premasiri Manage said.

Parliamentary Committee to consult experts on education reforms

Whilst an extensive public debate is being carried out on the government’s education reforms, the Sectoral Oversight Committee on education has decided to seek the assistance of experts who have been involved in compiling education reforms in the past.

Giant manta ray weighing over 500 kilograms caught in Mannar

A giant manta ray (locally known as kombu thirukkai) weighing over 500 kilograms was caught today in the coastal waters of Mannar’s Mutharipputhurai area.