Rs. 50 million worth foreign cigarettes seized at BIA cargo village

A stock of foreign-manufactured cigarettes worth Rs. 50 million was seized by the Central Intelligence Unit of the Sri Lanka Customs today at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Cargo Village.

No shortage of essential medical items: Ministry of Health officials

The Ministry of Health officials informed the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Media and Women’s Empowerment that there is no shortage of essential medical items at present.

Allow only bottled coconut oil, Consumer group tells Coconut Development Board

The National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection (NCMRP) requested the Chairman of the Coconut Development Board (CDB) to allow only bottled and labeled coconut oil to be sold in the market, in order to prevent the ongoing racket of selling adulterated coconut oil, which is harmful to health.

Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire - Malaysia PM

The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to end their border clashes, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Monday, following talks in Malaysia between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

Arrest warrant issued on Namal Rajapaksa

An arrest warrant was issued by the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP Namal Rajapaksa today.

Crane driver suspected to be high on cannabis causes fatal crash in Borella

The crane driver arrested this morning following the accident near the Kanatta roundabout in Borella, which left one person dead and seven others injured, is suspected to have been under the influence of cannabis at the time of the incident.

President, Namal airborne together

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa happened to be on board the same flight to the Maldives today.

Borella accident: Victims’ conditions to be announced by evening

The condition of seven individuals injured in a road accident near the Borella Cemetery Roundabout will be officially announced by this evening, Colombo National Hospital (CNH) Deputy Director Dr. Rukshan Bellana said

Acting ministers appointed

In light of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s departure for a state visit to the Maldives, four acting ministers have been appointed to oversee key ministries.

Hold Provincial Council elections immediately: PAFFREL to Govt.

The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has urged the government to hold long-overdue Provincial Council elections without further delay.

National minimum wage increased to Rs. 27,000 from April 1

While issuing a notice, the Labour Department announced an increase in the national minimum wage, effective April 1, 2025.

Security officer falls from building in Jaffna

A security officer attached to the Agricultural Faculty in the Jaffna University fell to death from the upper story of a building last night (27), Police said.

Locomotive operating engineers to launch 48-hour strike from tomorrow

The Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union (LOEU) has announced a 48-hour islandwide token strike starting tomorrow (29), over unresolved issues related to signal system malfunctions and delays in grade-based promotions.

Alleged forgery: Seethawaka District Secretariat official released on bail

Don Ruwini Wasana, the former Additional District Registrar of the Seethawak District Secretariat was released on bail in connection with preparing a forged birth certificate to facilitate the issuing of a passport for an organised criminal figure known as ’Kehelbaddara Padme’.

P.A.G. Fernando appointed chief secretary of Uva Province

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Mrs. P.A.G. Fernando as the new Chief Secretary of the Uva Province with immediate effect.

GovPay online fine payment launched today in Western Province, expressways

The GovPay online payment system for traffic fines was officially launched today (28) in the Western Province and on expressways, Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake said.

President arrives in Maldives

Legal experts discuss threats to free expression

Education reform is not just about introducing new textbooks: Minister

The government’s education reform is not just about introducing a new textbook, but about completely overhauling the current system to reduce pressure on the students, parents and teachers, Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

Head monk of Shaolin ’Kung Fu’ temple faces criminal probe

Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the world-renowned Shaolin Temple, is being investigated by multiple agencies for embezzlement, ’’improper relationships with multiple women’’ and ’’fathering illegitimate children’’, the temple said on Sunday.

Businesswoman Thilini Priyamali arrested

Businesswoman Thilini Priyamali has been arrested by the Homagama Police for allegedly obstructing the duties of an official at the Homagama Magistrate’s Court.

Government to launch globally-recognised module system in schools from 2026

The National People’s Power (NPP) government will introduce a module-based education system starting in 2026, initially focusing on Grades 1 and 6.

Bathiya dead before Indian veterinary experts arrived

Elphant Bathiya was who suffering from gunshot injuries was dead before the Indian veterinary experts could treat him, Deputy Minister of Environment and Wildlife Anton Jayakody said yesterday.

Wildfires burn through the night...

Doctors demand clarity as confusion grows

Doctors across the country remain deeply confused and uncertain over the Health Ministry’s new circular that outlines how state hospitals should allow patients to buy medical drugs and surgical items from outside suppliers.

One dead, several injured following accident in Borella

One person was killed and more than five others were injured in a road accident near the Borella Cemetery Roundabout this morning, police said.

EU and US agree trade deal, with 15% tariffs for European exports to America

The United States and European Union have reached a trade deal framework, ending a months-long standoff between two of the world’s biggest economic partners.

Hong Kong turn to ex-Sri Lanka Test player Kaushal Silva

Former Sri Lanka wicketkeeper batsman Kaushal Silva has been appointed as the new head coach of Hong Kong’s cricket team, the sport’s governing body in the city said on Monday.

President leaves for Maldives

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake departed from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning (28) for a three-day official visit to the Maldives.

U.S. dispatches crude oil samples , but won’t reach Sri Lanka before August 1

In its bid to start fuel sale to Sri Lanka as part of efforts to reduce the trade gap, the U.S. has dispatched samples of its crude oil to be tested for viability here,an official said.