Sri Lanka secures highest FDI from China's Sinopec

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Energy and Sinopec signed an agreement for $3.7 billion investment to construct an oil refinery with a capacity of 200,000 barrels in the Hambantota region.

Wele Suda, wife sentenced to eight years jail

Three accused, including the alleged drug dealer Gampola Vidanage Samantha Kumara, alias Wele Suda, and his wife were sentenced to eight years of rigorous imprisonment by the Colombo High Court today in connection with a money laundering case.

Sigiriya not open for night visits, Ministry clarifies

The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs today denied reports circulating on social media that the Sigiriya Rock Fortress will be open for night visits.

Blunders of past regimes trigger rice shortage: Minister

In response to growing concerns over the scarcity of red rice in the local market, Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe has assured the public that the situation will soon improve.

Setback for NPP in co-operative elections in some areas

The ruling National People’s Power (NPP) has suffered a setback in the recent cooperative society elections which were recently held in a few areas, raising questions.

Psychiatrist gives false reason to avoid posting to Mullaitivu Hospital

Medical associations have raised concerns over a potential precedent after a psychiatrist assigned to the District General Hospital in Mullaitivu requested a reversal of her transfer.

Most passenger buses built on lorry chassis, not up to mark in passenger comfort

Most buses which currently ply on Sri Lankan roads are built on lorry chassis are not in conformity with modern mass transportation standards in terms of passenger comfort, yet they cannot be replaced with quality low–floor buses at once because of economic conditions of the country, an official said yesterday.

8.3 Mn litres of alcohol consumption cut after tax hike: ADIC

The Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) revealed that a 20% excise tax increase on alcohol last year led to a staggering reduction of 8.3 million litres in alcohol consumption while boosting government revenue by Rs. 11.6 billion.

US-made speed guns worth Rs. 91 Mn for Police to detect high-speed driving

In a bid to reduce accidents caused by high-speed driving, the Sri Lanka Police have distributed several US-made speed gun devices worth Rs. 91 million to traffic officers.

Supreme Court temporarily relocates to MCC building

The Supreme Court will be temporarily relocated to the new MCC Building situated on Adhikarana Mawatha in Colombo 12 from January 15, 2025, due to the refurbishment of the Superior Courts Complex building.

India, Sri Lanka agree to revive ETCA talks - Indian envoy

In response to a question about the seriousness of attention on the proposed resumption of talks on the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between India and Sri Lanka, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha affirmed yesterday that, during the visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to New Delhi recently, it was agreed to revive talks with intent to conclude only.

Rohingya people rescued in SL victims of human trafficking: Minister

The Public Security Ministry believes that over 100 Rohingya rescued while adrift on a fishing trawler are victims of a human trafficking scandal, bound for another destination

SriLankan Airlines authorities asked to submit plan for development

The new government which abandoned the previous government’s plan on SriLankan Airlines has now asked its authorities to submit proposals for the development of the national carrier in five years, an informed source said.

What is the HMPV which is spreading in China ?

In recent days, news media outlets have been commenting about an increased number of respiratory infections in China, due to a virus, that many would not have heard much about. They are referring to the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). This article would give a brief outline of HMPV infections and how they may be prevented.

Two pilot traffic projects begin in Sri Lanka to improve road safety

In line with the Clean Sri Lanka project, the Sri Lanka Police has launched two traffic initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and easing congestion.

150 elephants trapped, starving in Oyamaduwa: Veterinary Association

Around 150 elephants, including tuskers and calves, are reportedly trapped and starving in the Oyamaduwa area following a failed attempt to relocate them from regions such as Sravastipura, Thambuttegama, Vilachchiya, Moragoda and Thanthirimale in the Anuradhapura district to Wilpattu National Park.

Sri Lanka monitors virus outbreak in China

In the wake of reports on a virus spreading in China, the Ministry of Health has announced that it is closely monitoring the situation.

Sanga, Mahela back ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative

Sri Lanka’s cricket legends Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara have thrown their weight behind the government’s newly launched ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative.

Mother of Altair victim to sue CIS for alleged negligence

The untimely death of Jivon Zoro Singh (15), a student of Colombo International School (CIS) who fell to his death from the Altair luxury apartment complex sparked much controversy over the past few months.

We move forward in 2025 with renewed vision and determination: President

Claiming that Sri Lanka achieved significant economic stability as a nation in 2024, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said with this progress as the foundation, the country would move forward in 2025 with renewed vision and determination, working towards creating a prosperous nation and ensuring a beautiful life for everyone.

Angry mob lays siege to two NPP MPs, hurls abuses

Two ruling party MPs- Wijesiri Basnayake of Kurunegala and Ajith Gihan of Puttalam- came under mob violence when they came out in their separate vehicles after a meeting with the management of an apparel factory in the Bingiriya area.

Second Jeju Air flight suffers landing gear problem in South Korea

A Jeju Air flight from Seoul on Monday was forced to return after encountering a landing gear problem, the airline said, a day after South Korea’s most deadly plane crash.

Former Minister Manusha’s brother remanded over alleged Rs. 3 Mn fraud

Thisara Iroshana Nanayakkara, the brother of former Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, has been ordered to be remanded till January 6, 2025, following his appearance before the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court.

Defence forces will be employed exclusively for primary role of military assignments: Govt.

The defence forces will be employed exclusively for their primary role of military assignments in defending the country, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) said.

Ex-Provincial Councillor arrested in Rs. 9 mn bribery case, remanded

Sulochana Gamage, a former member of the Western Provincial Council, who was arrested while allegedly accepting a bribe, has been ordered to be remanded in custody along with another individual until January 6, 2025.

Why is Indian Airforce Target drone in Trincomalee? Probe launched

A special defence team has been appointed to investigate after an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), believed to be a target drone belonging to the Indian Air Force, was discovered by a group of fishermen in the sea off Trincomalee.

Man deceives Deputy Minister; obtains 17 new passports

An individual who appeared as a Ministry official of the Public Security Ministry had deceived Public Security Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala and Ministry officilals and fled after obtaining 17 new passports.

Cable thefts on Katunayake Expressway leaves RDA facing Rs. 900 mn in costs

The Road Development Authority (RDA) is poised to sustain a cost of Rs.900 million for the restoration of damage done to the electrification system of the Katunayake - Colombo expressway by drug addicts in their acts of thefts of copper cables, an official said yesterday.

National consumer prices dip once again

National consumer prices continued their descent for the third month in a row in November 2024, at a pace much deeper than a month ago as prices either fell or remained unchanged helping the pocketbooks of large swaths of people who were hammered for many years due to runaway prices since 2022.

Govt. gives up on Amul

The new government is unlikely to follow the previous government’s model in tying up with India’s Amul in the development of dairy sector, an informed source said yesterday