PHIs visit Galle Face Hotel after food poisoning complaints

A section of the main kitchen at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo was temporarily ordered to be closed by the Public Health Department of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) following complaints of suspected food poisoning.

Strong wind advisory issued for 15 districts amid active South-West monsoon

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a strong wind advisory for 15 districts across the country, citing the active south-west monsoonal condition.

Half-naked Thai tourist transitioned from male to female four years ago

The Thai woman who made headlines for walking topless near a hotel in Arugam Bay, had undergone a sex reassignment surgery four years ago, transitioning from male to female.

Trump diagnosed with vein condition causing leg swelling, White House says

The White House said on Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump is experiencing swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand, after photographs emerged of Trump with swollen ankles and makeup covering the afflicted part of his hand.

Newborn baby found abandoned in paddy field at Mawathagama

A newborn baby was found abandoned in a paddy field at Sinhapurapara, Mawathagama, Kurunegala yesterday.

Wild elephant killed by train in Gallella

A wild elephant was killed early this morning (18) after being struck by a train traveling from Colombo to Batticaloa. The accident occurred around 5:30 a.m. in the Gallella area.

Public decency laws outlaw nudity in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, public nudity for both men and women is prohibited under several laws and regulations. Public nudity remains strictly prohibited under a combination of criminal statutes and public morality laws.

Why roll the dice on foreign casino investors when locals are ready to play?

The speculated opening of a foreign owned casino centre in Colombo’s ‘City of Dreams’ has raised serious questions as to why a foreign based gaming giant was awarded the contract when local expertise was available for years.

Historic Rs. 474 million lottery prize awarded to winner from Gokarella

In a landmark moment for Sri Lanka’s lottery history, the National Lotteries Board (NLB) yesterday (17) presented a cheque worth Rs. 474 million to the winner of the largest-ever lottery jackpot in the country.

Minister witnesses minor blast, Questions lack of safety gear

Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake witnessed a minor explosion during an inspection tour of the Ratmalana railway yard today, drawing attention to serious safety concerns faced by workers.

Use special routes for special criminal suspects, Minister tells IGP

Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure maximum security when transporting high-profile criminal suspects through airports, stressing the need to use a special route to avoid public disruption and potential security risks.

SJBers will soon start struggle for leadership change: Diana

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) members will soon start a struggle for a leadership change to put the party on a winning path, former MP Diana Gamage said today.

Sri Lanka should use ISB debt resettlement as leverage for U.S. tariff concessions: Ranil

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that Sri Lanka should leverage the resettlement of international sovereign bond (ISB) debt in negotiations with the United States to seek relief from the 30 percent tariff currently imposed on its exports.

Court reserves order on petition seeking STF removal from Boossa Prison

The Court of Appeal today reserved its order until September 1 on a writ petition seeking the removal of Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel from Boossa Prison.

Air India first officer asked captain why he turned off fuel switches

A cockpit voice recording of doomed Air India Flight 171 indicates that it was the younger co-pilot who asked his more experienced colleague why he turned off the plane’s fuel-supply switches, according to people familiar with the matter.

ASPI down slightly as market shows mixed momentum

The Colombo Stock Exchange closed on a mixed note today, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) declining by 8.11 points (-0.04%) to end at 18,876.85. The index saw a sharp drop of nearly 180 points early in the session before rebounding around 100 points by mid-day.

Three subjects made mandatory under new education reforms: PM

Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has firmly rejected claims that History and Aesthetics have been removed from the school curriculum, stating that these subjects, along with Vocational Studies, have been made mandatory under the new education reforms.

Protest demands justice for ‘Bhathiya’

President inaugurates wax museum

U.S. offers tariff-free access for up to 80% of Sri Lankan exports

The United States has offered to allow 70 to 80 percent of Sri Lankan exports to enter the U.S. market without tariffs, Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando said.

Trial against former Minister Diana Gamage postponed to August 21

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga today rescheduled the trial of former Minister Diana Gamage, who faces seven charges including providing false information to the Controller of Immigration and Emigration to obtain a passport, and remaining in Sri Lanka without a valid visa in violation of the Immigration and Emigration Act.

Three police officers suspended over misconduct at spa

Three police officers attached to stations within the Matara Police Division have been suspended following an incident of misconduct at a spa in the Walgama area.

Punish murders of Chemmani and Batalanda...

Shah Rukh Khan cancels Sri Lanka visit

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who was scheduled to perform at the launch of City of Dreams Sri Lanka later this year, will no longer be attending the event due to unforeseen and unavoidable personal reasons, organizers confirmed today.

New telephone number to contact President’s Fund

A new telephone number has been introduced for people to contact the President’s Fund, the Government Information Department said.

Half-naked Thai tourist in Arugam Bay: Male or female?

A legal controversy is brewing following the sentencing of a Thai tourist in Arugam Bay, after a social media post questioned how the court interpreted gender in a topless incident involving the foreign national.

Andre Russell announces international cricket retirement

The all-rounder will play his final international match against Australia in his homeground, Sabina Park, which is scheduled to host the first two T20Is

Kandy schools to close for Esala Perahera from July 29 to August 4

Due to the heavy traffic congestion and logistical challenges anticipated in Kandy during the annual Esala Perahera, the Kandy Zonal Education Office has announced that schools in the area will be closed for the second term holiday from July 29 to August 4.

Canada’s Public Safety Minister under scrutiny over support for man linked to LTTE

Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is facing mounting scrutiny after Global News revealed he had written letters supporting the immigration application of a man deemed by federal officials to be a former member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a group listed as a terrorist organization in Canada.

Gammanpila arrives at Bribery Commission over Customs complaint

Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Udaya Gammanpila, arrived at the Bribery Commission a short while ago to submit a reminder letter regarding a previously filed complaint.