Cory Booker breaks record for longest Senate speech after 24 hours

US Senator Cory Booker has broken the record for the longest speech ever delivered in the Senate.

Ex-North-Central CM, secretary sentenced to 16 years RI for corruption

Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendi today sentenced former North Central Province Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith and his private secretary Shanthi Chandrasena — the spouse of former Minister S.M. Chandrasena — to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment after being found guilty of corruption charges.

Hotel raid for Sewwandi leads to surprise bust

Police carried out a raid on a hotel in Anuradhapura town on information that the absconding suspect Ishara Sewwandi wanted in connection with the murder of Ganemulle Sanjeewa was staying at the hotel, to find that it was a misidentification, but arrested the woman with similar countenance of Ishara Sewwandi and a former Army Major in her company who had in their possession a stock of illegal intoxicants.

Volcano erupts in Iceland, triggering tourist evacuation

A volcano erupted to the south of Iceland’s capital on Tuesday (April 1), spewing lava and smoke in a fiery display of orange and red that triggered the evacuation of tourists and residents, although air traffic continued as normal.

Doctor allegedly pushed wife off Hawaii trail after she refused to take photo with him

A doctor in Hawaii is accused of trying to kill his wife after she allegedly refused to take a picture with him, according to authorities.

Indian advanced security team arrives ahead of Modi’s visit

An advanced security team from India has arrived in Colombo to coordinate with Sri Lankan security agencies ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka this week, the Daily Mirror learns.

Overwhelming response to new sperm bank

The newly established sperm bank at Castle Street Hospital for Women in Colombo has already assisted six women, offering new hope to those struggling with infertility.

‘Diesel Mafia’ looms over Sri Lanka’s solar power sector again

The Federation of Renewable Energy Developers (FRED) Sri Lanka yesterday raised serious concerns about a resurgence of the ‘diesel mafia’, accusing it of systematically moving to cause a natural death to the country’s solar power sector.

New government initiative offers nutritious meals for Rs. 200

A new government initiative aimed at ensuring food security and making nutritious meals affordable for the public was officially launched today (01) at the ’’Palessa’’ restaurant of the National Food Promotion Board in Narahenpita.

Excise orders 26 booze makers to print production date on bottles, cans from April 1

The Excise Department of Sri Lanka yesterday ordered all 26 soft and hard liquor manufacturing companies in the country to print the production date of their spirits on the respective bottles and cans with effect from April 1st.

Govt to launch insurance scheme for ‘Kithul’ and Palmyra workers

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has announced plans to introduce a life insurance scheme for workers in the ‘Kithul’ (Caryota urens), coconut, and ‘Thal’ (palmyra) industries in Sri Lanka.

Two Japanese ships arrive in Colombo

The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) Bungo and Erajima arrived at the port of Colombo on a goodwill visit today.

Colombo to witness rare celestial event on April 7

Residents of Colombo are set to witness a rare celestial phenomenon on Monday, April 7, 2025, at exactly 12:12 p.m., when shadows will momentarily disappear.

Wildlife Dept. plans action to prevent train-elephant collisions

The Wildlife Conservation Department has taken steps to develop an action plan to minimize the damage caused to wild elephants due to collisions with trains.

Colombo bourse kicks off on bullish note

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) opened April on a strong footing, with the All-Share Price Index (ASPI) gaining momentum to close with bullish sentiment. Trading activity was marked by significant volatility, as dividend counters dragged the market down while capital goods sector stocks provided upward support. The ASPI rebounded from its intraday low, surging by 224 points to end the session on a positive trajectory.

Nuwara Eliya April festival commences

The Nuwara Eliya April Festival, organized by the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, commenced today with Central Province Chief Secretary G.H.M. Ajith Premasinghe as the chief guest.

Police open fire at Minuwangoda injuring one

Police opened fire at a roadblock in Minuwangoda during a narcotics check leaving one person injured and another arrested, police said.

Haiti gangs storm town and release 500 inmates from jail

Gang members stormed the town of Mirebalais in central Haiti on Monday and released about 500 inmates from prison.

Death Sentence for Underworld Figure in Borella Murder Case

Colombo High Court Judge Navaratna Marasinghe today sentenced underworld gang member S.F. Sarath to death for the murder of Hettiarachilage Duminda, also known as Chanaka, who was shot dead at the Yoga Salon in Borella Vanathamulla on the night of August 1, 2014.

Three-wheeler fares to remain unchanged despite fuel price reduction

Despite the Rs. 10 reduction in petrol prices, there is no possibility of lowering three-wheeler fares, the All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Association (AITWA) said.

Milco slashes yogurt and fresh milk prices by Rs.10

Milco (Pvt) Limited has decided to reduce the price of Highland Yogurt and a litre of fresh milk by Rs. 10 from today.

PC election will not be held this year: Nalinda

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said Provincial Council election will not be held this year as three elections were held within six months with the upcoming Local Government elections.

CA suspends election activities in nomination disputed LG institutions

The Court of Appeal today directed the relevant Returning Officers to suspend the election activities until tomorrow (02), in relation to Local Government institutions where political parties and independent groups have filed petitions challenging the rejection of nomination papers.

TIN made mandatory for all services at Department of Motor Traffic

The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) has been made compulsory for obtaining all services from the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).

Elephant topples safari jeep in Yala National Park

An elephant was seen toppling a safari jeep in Yala National Park while tourists were inside the vehicle.

Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts for human rights and democracy. Members of the Pakistan World Alliance (PWA) – an advocacy group founded last December – who also belong to the Norwegian political party Partiet Sentrum, announced the nomination of Khan, 72.

Chamara Sampath further remanded till April 8

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today ordered that former Uva Provincial Councillor and former Minister Chamara Sampath Dasanayake be further remanded till April 8 over the alleged withdrawal of six fixed deposits maintained by the Uva Provincial Council in a State bank at Badulla in 2016.

Australian woman injured in train accident while taking selfie

An Australian woman travelling on the Badulla-bound Odyssey Express train from Colombo Fort on Monday evening (31) sustained serious injuries after hitting her head against an iron post near the railway line between Nanu Oya and Ambewela stations while attempting to take a selfie from the footboard.

No legal barrier in bringing motion to remove Deshabandu as IGP: Justice Minister

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said there is no legal barrier in bringing a motion to remove suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon from the office of IGP as claimed by former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.

Sri Lanka will uphold Buddhist values in supporting Myanmar, Thailand: Sajith

Sri Lanka will always fulfill its duty towards earthquake-hit Myanmar and Thailand, preserving true Buddhist values, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa said today.