Sri Lanka identified as priority nation for Leprosy?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reportedly reclassified Sri Lanka as one of 13 nations requiring priority attention for leprosy control, health sources said.

Saman Devalaya on strike for second day today, but Govt. says appointment legal

Refuting the allegations made by the administrative body of Sabaragamuwa Saman Devalaya that the acting Basnayaka Nilame of the institution has been a political appointee, the Commissioner General Buddhist Affairs R. M. P. Ratnayake yesterday said that the appointment is legal and has been done in accordance with the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance.

Teachers who give private tuition leak question paper, year-end term test cancelled in NCP

The Sinhala Literature paper for Grade 11 students, set for the year-end test in the North Central Province, was cancelled and the term test suspended due to the leaking of it by private tuition teachers.

Govt. aims to attract high-end tourists: Vijitha Herath

The government is aiming to increase the quality in the tourism sector just as the quantity in order to attract high-end tourists to the country, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath said.

Saman Devalaya on strike over political appointment

The administrative body and office holders of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya stepped down from the daily services (Thewawa) and other duties yesterday (5th) in protest against the appointment of an acting Basnayake Nilame, which they claim violates the temple’s traditions.

Should public be worried about virus spreading in China?

In the wake of a mysterious viral outbreak in China, the health authorities are still up in the air whether it could lead to a massive outbreak worldwide like COVID-19 pandemic.

Rice shortage creeps into schools

The students of the Debarara Junior School in Wellawaya Education Zone had been served wheat flour roti and dates for their midday meal instead of rice and curry.

Central Expressway: Kadawatha-Meerigama Loan disbursement from Chinese EXIM Bank to be discussed

Disbursement of money from China’s EXIM Bank for the construction of the Meerigama- Kadawatha stretch of the central expressway is to be discussed among others when President Anura Kumara Dissanayake undertakes his state visit to China beteeen January 13 and 17, an informed source said.

Visitors to be allowed in Sigiriya during moon-lit nights

In a bid to boost revenue from tourism, the Tourism Ministry has decided to allow visitors at historic rock fortress Sigiriya at moon-lit nights.

Economic crisis triggers online prostitution among females

With soaring living costs and shrinking job opportunities, Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has forced many women into unimaginable circumstances. Desperation has driven thousands to turn to online prostitution as a means of survival, bearing the brunt of the crisis.

MRP on rice; Govt. to reconsider it only after imports

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) will decide whether to do away with the maximum retail price of rice or not, only after price stabilisation in accordance with imports, an official said.

“I am the victim of a political witch-hunt again” - Yoshitha

Accuses NPP Govt. of targeting him for political reasons

Call for streamlining health sector donations SJB fears whether Health Minister targets Sajith Premadasa’s Husma programme

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday questioned whether the recent remark made by Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa that donations to health sector has to be streamlined with the government’s national plan was targeted at ‘Husma’ programme which is being carried out by its leader Sajith Premadasa since 2020. “Minister might have targeted the ‘Husma’ programme which was started by our leader during t

Thalatha becomes first-ever female General Secretary of a major party

The United National Party (UNP) leaders yesterday took a key decision by appointing Ms. Thalatha Athukorala as its first-ever female General Secretary.

Parliament employees protest against external recruitment

Employees of Parliament are up in arms over the decision by the authorities to fill the existing vacancies with those from outside, sources said yesterday.“Vacancies have been filled by offering promotions to existing employees over the years, but the authorities have decided to move away from this practice and recruit persons from outside. The existing staff members are of the opinion that the new system will be unfair as they are losing opportu

Police assure public on data security amid concerns over new e-traffic app

The Sri Lanka Police have responded to concerns regarding the security of personal data in light of the launch of their new ‘E-Traffic App.’ Some worried that the app, designed for reporting traffic violations, could compromise private data through the Police’s official website. However, the Police assured the public that no private data would be exposed.

Detergent served as soft drink: girl fallen sick, restaurant employees arrested

Police and the Colombo Municipal Council’s Medical Officer have launched an investigation after a 19-year-old girl was hospitalised after ingesting a cleaning chemical served in a soft drink bottle at a restaurant in People’s Park, Pettah.

Virus outbreak in China: Health Ministry mulls steps for extra-vigilance

In the wake of reports on a virus spreading in China, Sri Lanka has ramped up its vigilance, according to local health authorities.

12 bus drivers penalised for hazardous accessories

Inspections began on January 2 under the “Clean Sri Lanka Programme”

New Year ecstasy leads to brutal assault on youth in Jaffna

The Jaffna Police are investigating to arrest the four other suspects after a video went viral showing the assault of a motorcyclist by a group of intoxicated individuals performing stunts on three-wheelers and motorcycles in Jaffna city.

Magistrate condemns inhumane treatment of remanded suspects: Orders end to shackling in Open Court

Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena yesterday advised prison officials not to treat remanded suspects like animals, stressing that they should not be chained together while being brought to open court.

SL’s university system crippled with dearth of teachers

Sri Lanka’s university system still remains crippled with a dearth of teachers, and the authorities concerned are struggling hard to find qualified persons to some of the positions fallen vacant at the moment, a minister said yesterday.

Govt.’s new tax policy burdensome to people, harmful to economy: Champika

United Republican Front (URF) leader Patali Champika Ranawaka said yesterday that the tax policy regime of the new government would burden people further and cause harm to the economy.

No one is foolish enough to kill Mahinda Rajapaksa: SF

Responding to rumours of possible life threats to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka stated that no one is foolish enough to kill him using drones. Speaking to the media, Fonseka said that drones are expensive equipment, adding, no one is willing and able to attack him using drones.

No threat from drone found in Trinco

An investigation into the recovery of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Sri Lankan waters, believed to be a high-speed target drone belonging to the Indian Air Force, has revealed that the drone was not operated within Sri Lankan airspace, the Daily Mirror learns.

Schools reopen…

The second phase of the third term for 2024 in all government and government-approved private schools recommenced yesterday (2), and the term will end on January 24, 2025. Here students are leaving a school in Colombo yesterday

PM calls for probe into declining school attendance among A/L students

Prime Minister and Minister of Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, has urged a comprehensive investigation into the increasing trend of absenteeism among students pursuing Advanced Level education.

Wasps chase woman into clinic, sting patients in waiting room

After a woman was attacked by wasps and ran to the Udagama Rural Hospital in Atabage, Gampola, the wasps pursued her and subsequently attacked those at a medical clinic, leading to eleven individuals being admitted to the Gampola Teaching Hospital.

Mother of Altair victim to sue CIS for alleged negligence

The mother of Jivon Zoro Singh, a 15-year old student from Colombo International School who fell from the 67th floor of the Altair luxury apartment complex on July 2, 2024 has been fighting to serve justice for her son’s untimely death.

Air Force to get 8 Bell helicopters from the USA and trainer aircraft from Pakistan

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is to enhance its air capabilities with the addition of eight Bell-206 helicopters from the United States and an FT-7 trainer aircraft from Pakistan this year, the Daily Mirror learns.