On behalf of the Hajj Committee, I wish to respond to the following two articles which appeared in the Lankadeepa and subsequently in the Daily Mirror, two newspapers which I subscribe to and respect.

Digital travel platform Agoda has spotlighted Sri Lanka’s Nuwara Eliya as one of Asia’s must-visit hill stations, promoting the destination as a refreshing escape for travellers seeking cool climates, scenic landscapes and tranquil surroundings.

A seven-year-old child who was pinned under the plaster of cement mortar in the outer wall of an apartment at the Helamuthu Flats in Madampitiya in Mutwal in Colombo, that collapsed on him died last morning at the Colombo National Hospital.

The conflict between the Opposition and Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne had taken a serious turn with some MPs calling for his resignation.

Another story carried in the Daily Mirror came to limelight in Parliament yesterday when Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake based a question on it.

Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi engaged in an observation tour of the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex yesterday to assess the current status of the proposed development projects, including the controversial cable car initiative.

The Supreme Court yesterday ordered the University Grants Commission to admit the son of the former Defence Attache to Moscow, to the Medical Faculty of a local university after a Fundamental Rights petition was filed challenging his rejection.

A cultural performance at the 78th Independence Day celebration held at Independence Square yesterday under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Britain’s King Charles III has extended his warm congratulations to the President and people of Sri Lanka as the nation celebrates its 78th Independence Day today (4th February).

The United National Party (UNP) is preparing for new generation leadership that would embrace smart politics, Party Leader, Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

Opposition politicians representing several political parties have called on the government to initiate and actively participate in a national dialogue aimed at drafting a new constitution.

A poultry farm in Higgoda, off Bulathkohupitiya, was attacked by leopards which devoured 29 chicks and injured the farm owner when he attempted to chase the animals away, residents said.

Jaffna International Airport (JIA) marked 2025 as its best-performing year since opening in 2019, recording 53,443 international passenger movements and 1,138 international aircraft movements.

Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni has announced that Sri Lanka’s Mental Health Act will be updated and introduced in the near future.

Former Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne, who was suspended, lodged a complaint with the Bribery Commission yesterday against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne.

A group of 2,117 tourists arrived from Thailand by sea at Hambantota International Port yesterday.

The Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF) has successfully concluded a multi-phase humanitarian relief programme to support 36 journalists across the country who were severely affected by the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Member of the National People’s Power (NPP) Chinthaka Darshana Hewapathirana was elected yesterday as chairman of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha.

A woman, apparently aggrieved by a court order to hand over the eight-year-old child in her custody to her husband, has hit a police officer with one of her shoes within the Point Pedro court premises.

The Church of Ceylon, which is commonly called |Anglican Church in Sri Lanka, expressed concerns about the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTB) yesterday, saying its definition of terrorism is broad and vague and could be used to suppre

Hajj operators have alleged that nearly Rs. 110 million, collected additionally from operators for Mina tent facilities during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, has yet to be refunded, more than a year after the funds became due for repayment.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to intensify the ongoing trade union action, leaving thousands of patients struggling to access healthcare.

The Colombo Fort Magistrate, Isuru Neththikumara, yesterday issued an arrest warrant for Samindra Rajapaksa, the youngest son of former Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption involving approximately US$

The meteorology department, in an advisory yesterday, issued a severe lightning warning for certain areas of Western, Sabaragamuwa, Galle and Matara Districts along with thundershowers this week.

A sa severe cold spell enveloped Nuwara Eliya, with temperatures dropping to 3.5°C–5.0°C The police recovered a newborn infant’s body from Lake Gregory in the early hours of yesterday.

Cooperative banks engaged in microfinance activities are adversely affecting financial markets and the overall economy, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.

Former Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse has refuted the allegation by a National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian that he obtained compensation for damage caused to his property during the Ditwah cyclone.

Speaking on the launch, Moiz Mustafa, Digital Media Manager (Development, Strategy & Administration) at Daily Mirror, said:

Fourteen individuals were arrested in connection with the robbing of a Buddha statue of historic value in the Mawathagama area, police said.

Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera has urged members of the Constitutional Council (CC) to exercise vigilance when considering President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s nominee for the post of Auditor General.