Minister’s son caught smoking e-cigarette in school, MP alleges

Dropping a bomb shell in Parliament, opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake yesterday alleged that a son of a cabinet minister had been found smoking an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) At Badulla Mahavidayalaya recently.

Harini makes U-Turn on LGBTQ Tourism, says govt. won’t allow it

The government made an embarrassing U-turn once again yesterday, when Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya informed Parliament that the government had no plans to promote LGBTQ tourism or give special privileges to any particular group as mentioned in a recent letter by the SLTDA Chairman.

Boy dies after tragic accident at Colombo Swimming Club

The eight-year-old boy who was critically injured in an incident at the Colombo Swimming Club has passed away, according to hospital sources.

Ten women conceive as sperm bank brings hope

The newly established sperm bank at Castle Street Hospital for Women in Colombo has produced encouraging results with ten women successfully conceiving through the facility’s services, hospital officials said.

Over 4,000 breakdowns reported islandwide

Meanwhile, Ananda Palitha said that over 4,000 electricity breakdowns had been reported across the country as of yesterday due to adverse weather conditions. He warned that restoration work may be delayed, as their work-to-rule

Chinese investments main reason for low-cost renewable energy in SL

Chinese investment in the renewable energy sector is the reason why people enjoy low-cost energy and helped Sri Lanka transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy, which currently produces over 50 per cent of energy, an official said.

Shortage of dialysis needles pushes prices up to Rs. 760

The price of injection needles used in the dialysis treatment of kidney patients has risen to Rs. 760, causing great anxiety among patients.

30,000 power breakdowns reported as CEB work-to-rule campaign drags on

More than 30,000 electricity breakdowns were reported across the country on Sunday due to adverse weather, with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Technicians’ Union warning of delayed restoration efforts as their work-to-rule campaign entered its 32nd consecutive day.

Certain laws have become obstacles in resolving medicine shortage: Nalinda

Certain laws and regulations have become an obstacle in resolving the current medicine shortage, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday.

Sri Lanka experiencing inter-monsoon rains

Additional reporting by Palitha Ariyawansa and Prasad Rukmal

Over 400 dead as human-elephant conflict turns deadlier

The ongoing human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka has claimed the lives of 427 people and pachyderms within the first nine months of this year, data revealed.

UNHRC adopts new resolution on Sri Lanka

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday adopted a resolution to promote reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.

32 Pigeons handed over to Dehiwala Zoo for safekeeping stolen

It has been reported that 32 pigeons have been stolen from the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens.

Sri Lanka informs ICAO of its plan to become hub in region for training Aviation professionals

Sri Lanka informs the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) of its plan to become a hub in South Asia for training aviation professionals, a statement from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said.

Elephant electrocuted in Polonnaruwa, investigation begins

The Department of Wildlife and the Polonnaruwa Police have initiated investigations into the death of a wild elephant in a seed farm belonging to the Department of Agriculture in Polonnaruwa.

Closeness to the people will prevent my political downfall: MR

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated yesterday that his enduring and deep-rooted connection with the people will safeguard him against any political downfall.

Bribery Commission cracks down on hidden assets under new crime act

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) is probing several properties, including a hotel and multiple houses connected to public officials, under Sri Lanka’s new Proceeds of Crime Act, Director

Arugam Bay assault case resolved, two Israeli nationals depart

Two Israeli nationals arrested in August for allegedly assaulting a hotel owner and his wife in Arugam Bay have left the country following an amicable settlement between the parties, police said.

Fresh probes on Thajudeen launched based on Manamperi’s disclosures: Nalinda

Fresh investigations into the death of ruggerite Wasim Thajudeen have been launched based on the disclosures made by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) local politician Sampath Manamperi, who was remanded over a

British woman remains in custody over alleged £1.2m cannabis smuggling

A British woman accused of attempting to smuggle synthetic cannabis, or “kush,” worth £1.2 million into Sri Lanka, remains in custody at Negombo prison.

Bribery Commission not driven by politics, says DG Ranga Dissanayake

Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) Ranga Dissanayake said yesterday that the Commission operates independently and takes action regardless of political affiliation or individuals involved.

Don’t jump the gun over Thajudeen’s death: Mahinda Jayasinghe tells Namal

Claiming that Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa’s excitement on fresh investigations into the death of Wasim Thajudeen is suspicious, Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe urged Namal Rajapaksa not to panic and jump the gun.

Syphilis-like infection spreading among monkeys in Polonnaruwa - officials

A recent research conducted by the Wildlife Department and the animal health authorities has revealed that a bacterial infection caused by sexual contact, similar to syphilis has been spreading among monkeys and macaques in several areas in Polonnaruwa.

Health Ministry concerned over misleading post on LGBTQ

The Health Ministry has expressed concern over a misleading social media post that promoted the launch of an “LGBTQIA+ Sexual Wellbeing Clinic” at the National Hospital in Kandy, it is learnt.

Bribery Commission probe: Rajapaksa’s former security chief remanded

Neville Wanni Arachchi, former chief security officer of ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was arrested by the Bribery Commission, was ordered to be remanded till October 17 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S Bodaragama yesterday.

One month-old baby found in bag outside retired health officer’s home

A month-old baby girl abandoned by her mother was found in a bag yesterday in the Konwewa area, Ipalogama.

Robbery by household servants

A woman and two others including her son employed under a manpower institution supplying household servants resorted to theft of property in houses were taken into custody by Bemmulla police yesterday.

Sri Lankan syndicate’s attempt to obtain Malaysian passport thwarted in KL

A cunning attempt by a Sri Lankan syndicate to use the identity of a child to obtain a Malaysian passport was foiled by the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department at UTC Pudu Immigration Office, Kuala Lumpur this morning, foreign media reported.

MR yet to hand over Wijerama residence; Ministry to take necessary action: Nalinda

Claiming that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has not officially handed over his official residence at Wijerama Mawatha as yet, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said action will be taken regarding the matter by the respective Ministry.

Thajudeen’s death back in spotlight

Fresh controversy has emerged over the 2012 death of former rugby player Wasim Thajudeen, as several politcians and the family members of a slain underworld leader, continue to make conflicting statements.