Easter attacks mastermind known but untouchable: Sirisena claims

Former President Maithripala Sirisena today claimed that the mastermind behind the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings is well known to intelligence services, the military, and governments, but remains beyond Sri Lanka’s reach.

India, China envoys discuss border peace, trade to boost cooperation

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Monday discussed border peace, trade issues and bilateral exchanges, aiming to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

Double whammy for Kumara Jayakody

In a shocking turn of events, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been pushed into an uncomfortable spot with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery Or Corruption (CIABOC) preparing to file action against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody over allegations of misappropriation of funds during his tenure at the Fertliser Corporation in 2015.

Non-academic staff launch strike in state universities

Non-academic staff members across several state universities in Sri Lanka launched a symbolic strike today, protesting against government budget proposals that they claim have created severe hardships.

Empty seats, where have the MPs gone?

In a shocking turn of events, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been pushed into an uncomfortable spot with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery Or Corruption (CIABOC) preparing to file action against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody over allegations of misappropriation of funds during his tenure at the Fertliser Corporation in 2015.

Justice for Aragalaya protesters: Deshabandu arrested

Former IGP Deshabandu Thennakoon has been arrested by the CID a short while ago on the charges of aiding and abetting those who attacked peaceful protesters at Galle Face in 2022, by failing to carry out his duties.

England set for Sri Lanka tour ahead of T20 World Cup

The two teams will lock horns in three ODIs and as many T20Is, serving as key preparation for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Rajitha Senaratne directed to appear before court under Section 60(1) notice

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga today ordered the Bribery Commission to publish a written proclamation on former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, who is alleged to be evading court, directing him to appear before court on August 29 under Section 60(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

New Basnayake Nilame elected for Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya

Ishan Sanka Mapitigama was elected as the new Basnayake Nilame of the historic Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya at a vote held at the Ratnapura District Secretariat today.

South Africa spinner reclaims No.1 ranking for ODI bowlers

A new No.1 ODI bowler is crowned as South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj displaces Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana at the top.

Disabled drivers to receive licences under new rules

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) announced that driving licences will be issued to individuals with hearing impairments, blindness in one eye and physical disabilities.

At least 71 Afghan refugees killed in huge bus crash after being deported by Iran

At least 71 people, including 17 children, have been killed in western Afghanistan after a bus carrying refugees deported from Iran burst into flames following a collision with a fuel truck.

Nearly 71 percent of families depend on Aswesuma: Minister

Nearly 71 percent of Sri Lankan families depend on the Aswesuma, the current Sri Lankan poverty aliviation programme, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Panilage told Parliament today.

Postal strike causes backlog of international mail at BIA

A large stock of letters and parcels sent to Sri Lanka from various countries has piled up at the Cargo Village of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today (20) around 12.00 noon, due to the ongoing strike by postal workers.

Postal employee accuses authorities of misleading public amid ongoing strike

A protesting postal employee, addressing the media in his half-dressed uniform, accused the government of misleading the public with false information regarding the ongoing postal strike.

Health Ministry suspends approval of staff leave

The Health and Mass Media Ministry has temporarily suspended the approval of both domestic and foreign leave for its staff until further notice.

Man rescued after climbing utility post demanding wife’s return

A tense situation arose when a man climbed on top of a utility post, demanding that authorities take steps to bring back his wife currently employed overseas.

Israel defence minister approves plan to conquer Gaza City

Defence Minister Israel Katz’s move, confirmed to AFP by a spokesperson, piled pressure on Hamas as mediators pushing for a ceasefire in the nearly two-year war in Gaza awaited an official Israeli response on their latest proposal.

Four army personnel remanded over death of young man in Mullaitivu

Four army personnel, including a sergeant, have been remanded until August 26 in connection with the death of a 32-year-old man whose body was recovered from the Muthiyankaddu Tank in Mullaitivu.

Strict regulations in place after Swine fever outbreak

Strict regulations have been introduced following the African Swine Fever epidemic, which has now been brought 95 per cent under control, according to the Department of Animal Production and Health.

International driving licence issuing counter at BIA prevents large scam: Minister

The international driving licence issuing counter at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) prevents a large scale scam where certain persons who claim to be brokers charge around USD 100 from foreigners for mediatiing to obtain international driving licences, Minister Bimal Ratnayake told Parliament today.

SLMA opposes Govt move to allow cannabis cultivation

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), the academic body representing the nation’s medical professionals, has strongly opposed the government’s recent decision to allow foreign companies to cultivate cannabis in Sri Lanka.

Nuwara Eliya’s beauty threatened as waterfalls face decline

It has become a matter of serious concern that waterfalls in Nuwara Eliya - once described as “torrents of foreign exchange” for their tourism value - are now drying up.

Gambling Bill defines school raffles, funeral card games, temple auctions as ‘gaming’

In response to a question raised by an opposition MP, Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha informed Parliament yesterday that activities such as school raffle draws, playing cards during funerals, and the auctioning of flower trays offered at temples are included under the definition of ’’gaming’’ in the proposed Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill.

Sri Lanka declined to let burning ship to be towed to Hambantota Port: Minister

Sri Lanka declined to allow the ship that caught fire off the coast of Kerala, India, to be towed to a Sri Lankan port, fearing possible marine pollution from hazardous wastes, a Minister said yesterday.

Finnish MP, 30, dies inside Parliament building

An MP from Finland’s Social Democratic Party, Eemeli Peltonen, has died in Finland’s Parliament building on Tuesday at the age of 30, the assembly’s communications office said.

New political alliance underway to challenge govt., strengthen opposition

In order to revive a weak and ailing opposition, a major move is underway within the opposition parties to form a broader political alliance to take on the NPP government and address key national and economic issues in the country.

National Gymnasts Caught in Sports Ministry Power Play

Suspension of Olympian and National coach to protect powerful insider stuns gymnastic fraternity

Sri Lanka could top 2.7million tourist arrivals with promotion: Janaka Rathnayaka

Sri Lanka has the potential to exceed 2.7 million tourist arrivals this year if the country is strategically promoted and positioned as a global travel destination, former Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Rathnayaka said.

Several medical professionals threaten TU action

All supplementary medical professionals attached to 31 hospitals under the Western Province have decided to launch trade union action from Tuesday (19).