No survivors in Russian passenger plane crash

All 49 people on board the Angara Airlines An-24 passenger plane which crashed in Russia’s far east Amur region have died, TASS news agency reported citing preliminary information from emergency services.

Prisoner breaks free at hospital, attacks officer with bottle

A suspect in custody at the Colombo Remand Prison attempted to escape yesterday while being escorted to the psychiatric clinic at the Colombo National Hospital.

Rohitha Abeygunawardene’s son-in-law appears in court

The son-in-law of former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardene appeared before the Mathugama Magistrate’s Court today in connection with an ongoing investigation into an illegal vehicle assembly operation.

Rise in rambutan-related accidents

Experts have raised concerns over a growing number of accidents involving people falling from rambutan trees, raising safety concerns during the fruit-picking season, the Health Promotion Bureau said.

No child should have to drop out of school: President

An education reform is required to ensure a 13 year continuous education where no student needs to drop out of the school system, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

X-Press Pearl disaster: SC orders non-state parties to pay USD 1 Billion

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court today ordered the non-state parties involved in the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster to make an initial payment of USD 1 billion within one year as compensation for the damage caused.

Russian plane goes missing with nearly 50 aboard

Air traffic controllers lost contact on Thursday with an An-24 passenger plane carrying about 50 people in Russia’s far east, and a search was under way, the regional governor said.

President arrives in Parliament

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in Parliament a short while ago.

More raids launched to seize poachers’ illegal firearms

The Wildlife Conservation Department has intensified its operations to seize illegal firearms used by poachers and individuals targeting wild animals, including elephants.

Rohini Kaviratne apologises to Speaker but wants action against Leader of the House

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rohini Kaviratne tendered an apology today to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne for asking him to shut his mouth on Wednesday.

SJB member elected chairman of Weligama PS

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) member Lasantha Wickramasekara was today elected as the new Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha (PS), following a closely contested vote.

Attempted shooting at health official fails in Dehiwala

An attempted shooting targeting a health administration officer near the S. De S. Jayasinghe Stadium in Dehiwala failed this morning.

Contempt of court application against Harsha Ilukpitiya postponed for September 23

The contempt of court application filed against former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Harsha Ilukpitiya has been postponed for September 23 by the Supreme Court.

36,000 cancer patients admitted to Apeksha Hospital within six months: Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni revealed today that 36,000 cancer patients have been admitted to the Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama within the first six months of this year, from January to June 30, 2025.

Namal welcomes Central Bank’s move toward cryptocurrency recognition

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has expressed support for the Central Bank’s recent initiative to open dialogue on recognizing cryptocurrency as a legitimate transaction method.

Govt committed to digital integration in mental health services: PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating digital health solutions into the country’s existing mental health services, aligning with its broader digitization agenda.

Expedite setting up of International Trade office: Harsha

Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance Dr. Harsha de Silva said in Parliament today that setting up of the International Trade Office is an urgent need.

Spy cockroaches and AI robots: Germany plots the future of warfare

For Gundbert Scherf - the co-founder of Germany’s Helsing, Europe’s most valuable defence start-up - Russia’s invasion of Ukraine changed everything.

Upper Kotmale spillway opens, other reservoirs near overflow

A spill gate of the Upper Kotmale Reservoir has been opened as water levels in the Maussakelle and Castlereagh reservoirs approach overflow levels due to continued heavy rains on the western slopes of the Central Hills, the Nuwara Eliya District Disaster Management Unit said.

Thai and Cambodian troops clash at disputed border

Troops from Thailand and Cambodia have clashed at a disputed portion of their border early on Thursday, with both sides accusing each other of firing the first shot.

Ravi questions SVAT abolition, warns of export sector risks

UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake yesterday (23) questioned the government’s decision to abolish the Simplified VAT (SVAT) scheme from October 1, 2025, warning that the move could severely affect Sri Lanka’s export sector.

Banned ‘Spas’ back in business: Who gave them the license to re-open?

The spas and wellness centers that were shut down earlier for operating as brothels under the guise of Ayurvedic treatment in Negombo, Seeduwa, and Kochchikade have re-opened and resumed their operations, the Daily Mirror learns.

Abusive language in paper shocks students in Anuradhapura

Teachers have raised serious concerns over a printing error in the scholarship mock examination paper distributed to Grade 5 students in the Anuradhapura education zone on Monday (22), saying it caused significant confusion and distress to both students and teachers.

Knuckles Spring Water enters the Bahrain market

Knuckles Spring Water, produced by Sri Lanka’s Cargills (Ceylon) PLC, has officially entered the Bahraini market with the support of the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This marks the first time a Cargills-manufactured product has been introduced to Bahrain.

Hrithik Roshan to attend grand opening of City of Dreams

Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan is set to visit Sri Lanka for the much-anticipated grand opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka on August 2, 2025, stepping in as the special guest following the withdrawal of Shah Rukh Khan.

Central Bank stays pat on key policy rate as economic indicators move in right direction

The Central Bank left its key policy rate unchanged at its fourth monetary policy announcement yesterday, as Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said all macroeconomic indicators are moving in the right direction, capturing the sentiments of the Monetary Policy Board, which decided the current policy stance is just about at the right level to accomplish their mandate in maintaining price stability.

Bangladesh central bank honours Sri Lankan bank for foiling 2016 cyber heist

Bangladesh’s central bank (Bangladesh Bank) hosted a special award ceremony at its headquarters in Motijheel on 17 July, to formally recognise officials from Sri Lanka’s Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC for their role in preventing a US$ 20 million fraudulent transaction during the infamous 2016 Bangladesh Bank reserve heist incident.

No record of 1988/89 Dalada Maligawa attack: Govt

The government does not possess any records of the 1988/89 attack on the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala revealed in Parliament today.

Current deputy Defence Minister maintained deafening silence on Zahran’s activities as then Eastern Commander: MP

Dropping a bombshell in Parliament, opposition MP Nizam Kariapper today said current Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera who was one time Security Force Commander in the east neglected prior information received on activities of Zahran who led the Easter Sunday attacks since 2015.

Women activists’ legal battle ended after lifting ban on women in alcohol industry

A Fundamental Rights petition filed by several women activists and women’s organizations was settled before the Supreme Court following the issuance of a new gazette notification permitting women to purchase liquor from any licensed outlet, work in establishments engaged in liquor production, and consume liquor at retail premises.