Medical specialists raise red flag over new drug purchase rules

Medical specialists have expressed serious concerns regarding the circular issued by the Ministry of Health outlining guidelines for the purchase of drugs, surgical items, by state hospitals from third parties.

Court of Appeal saves 80-year-old woman from the gallows

The Court of Appeal yesterday set aside the conviction and death sentence imposed by the Hambantota High Court on an 80-year-old woman for a murder committed in 1993.

Police face scrutiny amid wave of misconduct, sexual abuse and bribery allegations

In the wake of a series of serious violations involving police officers, including sexual abuse, discreditable conduct, and corrupt practices, the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) has ordered strict disciplinary action against any

Bottles of liquor produced in court found to be containing water, tea-coloured liquid -​ Magistrate orders probe

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga yesterday directed the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) to immediately launch an investigation and submit a report regarding a stock of seized foreign bottles of liquor produced

Half-naked Thai tourist

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.

Spike in skin diseases sparks health warning

A sudden rise in skin-related illnesses has been reported across the country, causing concern among health officials, the Health Promotion Bureau said.

Another jumbo with gunshot injuries faces starvation

Another elephant suffering from gunshot injuries — known locally as the “Kandalame hadakaaraya” — is reportedly facing starvation after wildlife officers requested the public to refrain from feeding the animal.

13 jumbos being treated for gun-shot wounds: Wildlife Department

In the wake of the shocking death of ‘Bathiya’ tusker, the Wildlife Department yesterday revealed that thirteen more elephants including two tuskers were currently receiving treatment due to gun-shot injuries.

Half-naked Thai female tourist in Arugam Bay gets suspended jail term

A 26-year-old Thai national has been handed a five-year suspended prison sentence by the Pottuvil Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to charges of indecent behaviour and causing a public disturbance in Arugam Bay.

Foreigners misusing tourist visas engage in spas and brothels

Sri Lankan immigration authorities have raised alarm over the growing number of foreign nationals entering the country especially on tourist visas and engaging in unauthorized businesses, particularly operating or working in spas,

Thai woman detained for walking half-naked in Arugam Bay tourist area

A Thai female tourist who walked half-naked through the Arugam Bay tourist zone was taken into custody by female officers of the Women and Children’s Bureau from the Pottuvil Police Station yesterday, police said.

Daily Mirror report yields No more water leaks at Colombo National Hospital theatre

The persistent water leaks that disrupted surgeries at the National Hospital Colombo’s Accident Service theatre complexes have now been repaired, hospital sources confirmed.

SL moves closer to nuke energy goals with IAEA

Sri Lanka took a major step toward advancing its nuclear energy ambitions by participating in a high-level meeting organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to promote adherence to key global nuclear security frameworks.

Colombo Mayor’s dance act goes viral

The participation of Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar in a traditional Japanese dance at a public function has become one of the most sought after stories in social media.

President to nominate new Chief Justice within two weeks

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is to nominate a new Chief Justice in two weeks as Murdu Fernando who is currently holding the post is set to retire on the 27th of this month.

Fuel purchases from Africa: Plan goes awry with Nigeria, South Sudan throws open gate

Sri Lanka’s plan to purchase fuel from Nigeria has gone awry because of restrictions in crude oil imports in that country and prior registration requirement for refined products deals, Daily Mirror learns.

Fatal road accidents rise sharply in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has recorded a sharp rise in fatal road accidents in the first half of 2025, with police statistics showing 1,274 fatal crashes resulting in 1,351 deaths between January 1 and June.

Crime wave Senior police officers under threat from organised criminal gangs

High-ranking police officers and a former Minister have come under threats from organised criminals, prompting the government authorities to expedite action to crack down on such groups operating from overseas, especially the

Doctors in dilemma over no guidance on prescribing surgical equipment to be purchased from outside: GMOA

Secretary of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa said that consultants and other medical professionals are in a predicament due to legal problems confronting them in prescribing medicines

Rs. 144Mn Immunoglobulin Scam Indictments involve Rs. 10M printing cost for prosecution

Deputy Solicitor General Lakmini Girihagama informed the court that the Government Printer had notified the prosecution that each printed set of indictments and annexures in the immunoglobulin procurement case costs

Sri Lanka to push US for more trade relief post-tariff drop

The government yesterday welcomed the United States’ decision to lower its reciprocal tariff on Sri Lankan goods to 30 percent from 44 percent, effective August 1, but said it would continue talks with Washington to secure further concessions and protect the country’s regional trade competitiveness.

The 30 percent US Tax will be added to existing taxes : Hulangamuwa

The 30 percent tax which was imposed by USA on Sri Lankan exports will be added to existing taxes, Presidential Advisor on Economic Affair Duminda Hulangamuwa said. He was responding to a question raised by a journalist at a media briefing.

15-year-old child contracts HIV

Badulla Division ASP G.W.B.S. Palipana said a 15-year-old child had contracted HIV and that it was a matter of serious concern.

VIASL says Vehicle prices may rise if conditions imposed on balance USD 200 million allocation

The local vehicle market could face sharp price hikes if the government imposes any conditions on utilizing the remaining USD 200 million allocated for vehicle imports, Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) President

Sri Lanka Navy gets cabinet nod for maritime security operations

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the Sri Lanka Navy to independently conduct maritime security operations under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence.

Schools turn into mosquito havens, students’ lives at stake

Many schools in the country have become mosquito breeding grounds, putting the lives of students in danger. Health authorities uncovered the alarming situation during a nationwide mosquito control campaign held from June 30 to July

Digital services that will be taxed 18% VAT announced

A gazette notification has been issued announcing the list of digital services on which an 18 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) will be imposed with effect from October 01, 2025.

E-commerce stifled Thousands of TEMU, AliExpress, eBay online orders stuck at Customs: Advocata Institute

Thousands of parcels ordered by Sri Lankans from popular online shopping sites like TEMU, AliExpress, and eBay are now stuck at the Customs, the Advocata Institute said.

IRD seeks to tax non-resident service providers who surpass Rs. 60 million yearly threshold

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced that all non-resident persons who provide services to customers in Sri Lanka through electronic platforms must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) if their earnings exceed a specified limit.

Beira lake to become water aerodrome ?

The Authorities have decided to look into the possibility of converting the Beira Lake into an aerodrome. An initial discussion has been held in this regard with the participation of Defense Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Ministry of Defence recently to discuss the matter.