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.

Politicisation of Thajudeen’s death an insult to his departed soul: Namal

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said the government should conduct an impartial and comprehensive investigation into the death of former rugby player Wasim Thajudeen without trying to make it a political slogan for its ends and otherwise, it would be an insult to his departed soul.

Crimes like Thajudeen’s murder not committed by ‘Siripala’ or ‘Gnanaratnam’ in the village: Bimal

Crimes like the murder of Wasim Thajudeen were not committed by Siripala or Gnanaratnam in the village, but by rulers who governed the country, Minister Bimal Ratnayake said yesterday.

‘My father had no hand in Thajudeen’s death’ - Kajja’s son

A 16-year-old boy who called himself as recently murdered underworld figure Aruna Vidanagamage, alias ‘Kajja’s son claimed that his father had no hand in the murder of Wasim Thajudeen.

Doubtful of a proper investigation on Thajudeen killing : MP

Colombo — There are serious doubts whether a proper investigation will be carried out into the murder of national rugby player Wasim Thajudeen, despite recent revelations emerging from the inquiry into the killing of underworld figure Anura Vidanagamage, alias “Kajja”, Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman said yesterday.

Drug addiction on the rise, prisons overflow

Sri Lanka is facing increasing challenges with drug addiction and prison overcrowding. Authorities are struggling to provide effective rehabilitation for the growing number of people affected by substance abuse.

Fresh warning issued on WhatsApp & online fraud risks

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has urged the public not to join unknown WhatsApp groups, avoid engaging in financial transactions with strangers, and refrain from purchasing goods from unverified sources.

Teacher assaulted by student

A teacher of a leading school in Monaragala town who received injuries due to an assault by a student yesterday was admitted to the Monaragala general hospital.

SL braces for possible influenza outbreak amid surge in Delhi

Health authorities in Sri Lanka say they are closely monitoring the situation in India, where a spike in influenza cases—particularly the H3N2 strain—has been reported across northern regions, including the Delhi metropolitan area.

Major trade unions in Sri Lanka are politicised- U.S.

Most major trade unions in Sri Lanka maintain political party affiliations, contributing to a politicised labour environment, a key U. S. report observes.

Father Lodges Police Complaint Against Colombo Swimming Club After Son Suffers Brain Damage

The father of an eight-year-old boy has lodged a complaint with the Kollupitiya Police, alleging negligence by a leading swimming club in Colombo after his son fell into a pool and suffered severe brain damage.

The child was given emergency care: Colombo Swimming Club

A communique sent out by Colombo Swimming Club to its members said the club had given emergency care to the child who is in critical condition after drowning in the pool on Sunday.

Alcohol causes 20,000 deaths a year, ADIC urges tax hike

Sri Lanka around 50 people die every day from alcohol-related causes, leading to nearly 20,000 preventable deaths each year, according to the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC).

Minister says Sri Lankan tea wins Nobel Prize

In a bizarre statement, Industries Minister Sunil Handunnetti said yesterday that Sri Lanka had ‘won the Nobel Prize for tea’ after entering the Guinness World Records for producing the world’s most expensive tea.Addressing the media, Handunnetti who seemed unaware of what a Nobel prize meant said this was a proud moment for the country, proving the unmatched quality of Ceylon tea and strengthening its place in the global luxury market.