Court revokes travel ban on Pastor Jerome Fernando

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today lifted the travel ban imposed on Pastor Jerome Fernando.

Yoshitha’s grandmother Daisy Forrest arrested

Daisy Forrest, also known as ’Daisy Achchi’, the grandmother of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Sri Lanka in April?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to Sri Lanka in April. The visit, according to Sri Lankan sources, is still firming up and could happen around 5th April, with focus on a range of issues, including connectivity and economic ties.

Trudeau slams Trump for starting a trade war with Canada

Justin Trudeau has claimed the aim of a “dumb” trade war launched by Donald Trump is to usher in the “complete collapse” of the Canadian economy and make it easier for the United States to annex Canada.

Australia great announces retirement from ODI cricket

In the aftermath of Australia’s Champions Trophy exit, captain Steve Smith on Wednesday announced his retirement from the ODI format.

Govt. to go ahead with animal census despite pushback

Notwithstanding significant criticism from relevant stakeholders including environmentalists, the government has decided to go ahead with the proposed animal census covering the entire country.

Contaminated coconut oil in the local market: Minister

Contaminated coconut oil which is unsuitable for human consumption has entered the local market, Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe told Parliament today.

12 killed, 30 wounded in Pakistan military base attack launched by suicide bombers

Two suicide bombings breached a wall at a military base in northwestern Pakistan before other attackers stormed the compound and were repelled in violence that killed at least 12 people and wounded 30 others, according to officials and a local hospital.

Passenger arrested with Kush worth Rs. 52 million at BIA

A 34-year-old male passenger was arrested early this morning at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with 5.2 kilograms of Kush cannabis.

World’s biggest iceberg runs aground off South Georgia

The biggest iceberg in the world, named A23a, appears to have run aground after drifting around the Southern Ocean near Antarctica since 2020.

Govt. to woo top ten shipping liners in world for Colombo port expansion

The government will call for Expression of Interest (EOI) from the top ten shipping companies in the world next month for the expansion of the Colombo Port by implementing the Colombo North Port project and the phase II of the West Container Terminal (WCT), a Minister said yesterday.

SL economy still vulnerable despite positive developments – IMF mission chief

Despite positive developments and recovery expected this year, Sri Lanka’s economy is still vulnerable, and it is critical to sustain the reform momentum for long-term growth, a top International Monetary Fund (IMF) official said yesterday.

NPC rejects Acting IGP’s allegations of interfering in Police affairs

In response to Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya’s criticism of the National Police Commission (NPC) over certain appointments, the NPC has addressed the issue, rejecting allegations of interference in the internal affairs of the Police Department.

Rs. 1.2 Mn reward for information on ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder suspect

The Sri Lanka Police have announced a Rs. 1.2 million reward for information leading to the arrest of a female suspect linked to the killing of underworld figure ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’.

EPF, ETF funds to be used to bring in more benefits to workers

Labour Minister Anil Jayantha today pledged to use EPF and ETF funds to bring in more benefits to the working people instead of unproductive investments that it had made in the past.

Government secures Cabinet approval for Korean E-8 visa programme

While there was confusion earlier regarding the legality of agreements involving intermediaries, the government has now secured Cabinet approval for the Korean E-8 visa programme, Deputy Minister of Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra said.

Pope Francis no longer requires mechanical ventilation

Pope Francis had stabilized enough Tuesday after two respiratory crises to be taken off noninvasive mechanical ventilation and receive just high flows of supplemental oxygen, as he continued his more than two-week long fight against double pneumonia, the Vatican said.

SC dismisses FR petition by Ex-Additional Secretary over Immunoglobulin case

A Fundamental Rights petition filed by former Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Saman Ratnayake, challenging his arrest in connection with the alleged import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, was dismissed today by the Supreme Court.

Doctors’ strike called off

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced that the nationwide strike planned for tomorrow has been called off following discussions with Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.

Customs save Rs.1.8Bn to Govt. from illegal cigarettes

The government would have incurred a loss of Rs.1.8 billion in taxes in the past three years if not for the efforts by Sri Lanka Customs that seized 8.7 million sticks of illegal cigarettes that were smuggled into the country, an official said.

AMS to refrain from trade union action

Despite recognizing the legitimacy of trade union (TU) action taken by doctors’ unions over proposed devaluation of extra duty rates, public holiday payments, and Sunday allowances for medical officers under Budget 2025, the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has decided not to engage in such action at this moment.

Opposition MPs deny getting filling stations through political influence

Opposition MPs Gayantha Karunathilaka, Harshana Rajakaruna and Kins Nelson today denied getting filling stations through political influence.

IMF warns Sri Lanka trade unions against strike over pay demand

Sri Lanka’s fragile economic recovery could be hampered by threatened trade union strikes over reduced benefits for government employees in this year’s budget, the International Monetary Fund warned on Tuesday.

Animal survey on March 15 proposed by special committee: Minister

The planned animal survey on March 15 is a proposal of the special committee appointed to tackle agricultural losses caused by wild animals and provide recommendations for managing the issue, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Man arrested for riding motorcycle naked claims he wanted to live freely

The man who was arrested for riding a motorcycle yesterday told the police that he had removed his clothes because he wanted to live freely.

Court issues order on scheduled protest near Parliament

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court issued an order regarding a protest organised today (24) by a group of convenors and members of the Unemployed Graduates’ Association.

Muslim extremist group detected in Eastern Province: Cabinet spokesman

Information has been received regarding a Muslim extremist group operating in the Eastern Province, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa revealed.

Markets sink as Trump confirms tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China

President Donald Trump has said he is moving forward with 25% tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico into the US, adding that time had run out to reach a deal.

Fuel distributors agree to new formula: Government

The fuel distributors agreed to adhere to the new formula on their commissions introduced by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Speaker warns MPs Archchuna, Rasamanickam

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne today warned Opposition MPs Ramanathan Archchuna and Shanakiyan Rasamanickam for disturbing the proceedings.