Probe launched on mails trying to create public unrest: Nalinda

While confirming that an investigation has been launched into the emails received by various government institutions on hoax bomb threats, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday no update is

Corruption allegations galore ahead of CMC budget to be presented second time

Allegations have surfaced that the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) has offered monetary incentives to opposition members of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to ensure their absence at council sessions scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, when the budget is to be presented for the second time.

ID office system crashes, applicants asked to return

The newly introduced digital system at the Department for Registration of Persons (DRP) experienced repeated technical failures yesterday, forcing applicants seeking National Identity Cards (NICs) to suspend their visits and return another day.

Sri Lanka not healthy enough, falls into bottom 40 healthiest countries in the world

Sri Lanka is ranked as 158 and in the bottom 40 healthiest countries in the world for 2025 with a global health index of 54.55 which is considered below average and unhealthy according to the CEO World Global Health Index 2025.

68 per cent landmass of Badulla District prone to landslides

A recent survey carried out by the National Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) has revealed that 68 per cent of the total land area of the Badulla District is vulnerable to any state of landslide.

Beware of Dengue-like Influenza! warns expert

Amid the widespread circulation of seasonal Influenza A and B, medical experts warn that influenza can be mistaken for dengue, as blood count findings may appear similar.

Expect more rains as Northeast Monsoon becomes active: DMC

Enhancement of rainy weather is expected in the coming days as the Northeast Monsoon could become more active, Disaster Management Centre (DMC) which quoted Department of Meteorology said yesterday.

Police intensify raids on illegal brothels disguised as spas in Colombo

Police have intensified raids on brothels allegedly operating under the guise of spas in Colombo, after dozens of foreign women were arrested in December alone for involvement in illegal activities in Sri Lanka.

Jaffna int’l cricket stadium goes for a six

ITAK General Secretary M. A. Sumanthiran told media that the land which was allocated for the international cricket stadium has gone under water during the recent floods.

Jumbo deaths continue, wild elephant electrocuted

The death of another wild elephant in the human-elephant conflict was reported yesterday from Handapanagala in Moneragala.

CMC budget will take effect in two weeks: Mayor Balthazaar

Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar yesterday said the budget of Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) will take effect in two weeks despite the setback suffered on Monday.

Absence of AG during post disaster situation disturbing, Harsha tells President

Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Chairman Harsha de Silva in a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has informed him that absence of an Auditor General during a post disaster situation is disturbing.

Govt. to import bait fish for tuna fishing

Sri Lanka will begin importing milk fish as bait for tuna longline fishing following a Cabinet decision aimed at addressing a critical shortage of bait fish used by the country’s multi-day fishing fleet. The decision was taken after the

Western Province slows, other provinces gain

The Western Province, which is considered to have the highest economic growth and contributes a large chunk of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is gradually slowing down in its share of contribution as other provinces experience an increase in economic growth and output, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS).

Global economists call for debt moratorium as Cyclone Ditwah strains IMF targets

The fiscal calculus underpinning Sri Lanka’s economic recovery has been fundamentally altered by Cyclone Ditwah, prompting a coalition of 121 international economists to demand an immediate suspension of external sovereign debt payments.

Sri Lankan economy still remains vulnerable: IMF

Sustained adherence to the reform agenda has underpinned a robust economic recovery, price stability, substantial revenue-based fiscal consolidation, and progress in rebuilding foreign exchange reserves, but the economy remains vulnerable, and GDP has not recovered to its pre-crisis level, according to an IMF official.

Gibbon at Dehiwala Zoo dies after 22 years

A White-handed Gibbon, the primate who lived in the Dehiwala Zoo for 22 years, has died, according to a statement from the Environment Ministry.

CID probes leak of VMS data used to track drug-running vessels

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a comprehensive investigation on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) following information that the Vessels Monitoring System (VMS) used to track multi-day fishing vessels and boats transporting drug consignments in the open seas, along with sensitive computer data of the Police Narcotics Bureau, has reportedly fallen into the hands of drug traffickers.

Impact on World Heritage Sites, UNESCO assistance sought

The UNESCO support is now in process for the assessment of damages to world heritage sites after disasters caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the Daily Mirror learns.

Court orders release of another 166 BYD vehicles held by Customs

The Court of Appeal yesterday directed Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) to release a further 166 BYD vehicles detained by Customs, subject to the furnishing of the relevant bank guarantees and corporate guarantees.

BASL condemns Kaduwela Mayor’s conduct over obstruction of lawyer

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly condemned the conduct of Kaduwela Mayor Ranjan Jayalal, alleging that he obstructed and hindered an Attorney-at-Law while representing an Animal Welfare Association at an

Samba, Keeri Samba shortage likely: Minister

There could be a shortage in Samba and Keeri Samba rice in the country due to the devastation caused to paddy cultivation by the Ditwah cyclone, Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha

Love triangle turns fatal, man stabbed to death

An individual who had been stabbed in his motorcar at Senanayake Mawatha in Nawala on Thursday night (18) died on admission to a private hospital in Narahenpita.

At least two years needed to rebuild Ditwah-Hit nation

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament yesterday that the full rebuilding of the nation battered by Cyclone Ditwah would take at least two years, citing ongoing landslide risks and the need to relocate populations and schools

Three arrested for burning alive an elephant

Police arrested three suspects involved in burning alive an injured elephant at Ambagahawela in Mihintatle.

Over 90 drugs fail quality tests in 2025; majority from India

A total of 93 drugs have failed quality tests so far in 2025, according to the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry.

Police probe Police

Inspector General of Police (IGP) has instructed the Police Special Investigation Unit to take disciplinary action following an investigation after it was revealed several police officers, including the OIC and the Traffic OIC of the Sapugaskanda Police Station, had failed to properly discharge their duties in relation to the road accident involving former Speaker and MP Ashoka Ranwala.

Flood threat looms again

With heavy rain lashing certain parts of the country,the flood threat looms again in the lower reaches of the Mahaweli River in the eastern province .

73 children lose parents due to Cyclone Ditwah

Seventy three children have lost their parents – one or both - due to disasters triggered by Cyclone Ditwah as reported by December 16.

Lawyer discharged with warning after admitting professional misconduct