Tussle over National Hospital Director post

With the Director post of the Colombo National Hospital falling vacant after the incumbent was assigned to the Health Ministry as an Additional Secretary, unrest has emerged at the hospital regarding the appointment of a new director.

Sri Lanka working closely with authorities to extradite wanted criminals operating overseas

Amid rising shootings and crimes involving underworld criminals, authorities have intensified efforts to bring down wanted criminals operating overseas, especially from the UAE. These criminals have been issued Interpol red notices, including those wanted for recent shootings in Sri Lanka.

New vehicle shipment to touch down today

As the first shipment of vehicles is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka today since the government relaxed import restrictions on February 2, the Daily Mirror learns that almost all the new vehicles have been booked by customers and a waiting list is also now in progress.

Personal Data Protection Act enforcement pushed back by six months

The enforcement of Sri Lanka’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) has been delayed by six months, with the government citing public sector readiness concerns.

Finance Ministry calls for EOIs for Trade National Single Window

The Finance Ministry this week invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from consultancy firms to conduct a needs assessment to initiate a Trade National Single Window (TNSW) system to interconnect several government agencies engaged in international trade proceedings.

CBL Group expands global footprint with Kenya entry

CBL Group has entered the Kenyan market by establishing a distribution hub as part of its strategic move to strengthen exports and establish a foothold in East Africa. This expansion aligns with the company’s long-term growth strategy to extend its global reach and cater to new consumer segments.

Sri Lanka reaffirms commitment to Human Rights, economic recovery at UNHRC

Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, addressed the 58th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council outlining the government’s commitment to human rights, economic stability, and national reconciliation under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership.

Cabinet approves E-8 visa jobs for Sri Lankans, exclusively through SLBFE

The Cabinet approved employment opportunities under South Korea’s E-8 visa category, with recruitment exclusively handled by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).

Govt. to act against Polonnaruwa rice mill owner for overpricing: Minister

The Government will take special action against a rice mill owner in Polonnaruwa who has repeatedly sold rice at a rate higher than the stipulated rate, Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe told Parliament today.

14th South Asian Games set for January 2026

The Executive Committee of the South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC) decided at a meeting in Lahore today to hold the 14th South Asian Games from January 23 to 31, 2026 in Lahore, Faisalabad and Islamabad.

Camera invented to save elephants from trains

The Engineering Faculty of the Peradeniya University has invented a camera to save wild elephants from being run over by trains.

Second reading of Budget 2025 approved

The second reading of Budget 2025 was approved by a majority of 109 votes in Parliament a short while ago.

CID to probe drug regulatory data fraud, passport procurement irregularities

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been requested to investigate into allegations of bribery and corruption related to data fraud at the Drug Regulatory Authority and irregularities in the procurement of passports.

Namal questions Govt.’s double standards on PTA

In the wake of Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala’s remarks in Parliament that the government will not use the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to curb underworld activities, SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa, referring to the incident of PTA being used against youth from the North and South for Facebook posts, criticized government’s double standard.

Chemical contamination reported at Moratuwa Uni laboratory

Four fire engines and a team of 15 firefighters have been dispatched to contain a chemical contamination reported at a laboratory of the University of Moratuwa, according to the Fire Service Department.

President, top Army officials discuss current security situation

A discussion on Sri Lanka’s current security situation was held today (25) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

SriLankan Airlines to increase its fleet to 51 aircraft by 2030: Deputy Minister

SriLankan Airlines is slated to increase its fleet to 51 aircraft from the current level of 22, Deputy Minister of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma told Parliament today.

NASA gives massive update on ’city-killing’ asteroid

NASA has given a major update on the ’city-killing’ asteroid which has been hurtling towards Earth – and it finally makes for pleasant reading.

Legal barrier hinders efforts in extradicting Arjun Mahendran: Nalinda

The government admitted today that a legal barrier has hindered efforts in brining down former Central Bank Governor Arjun Mahendran to Sri Lanka.

Cabinet nod to establish Gambling Regulation Authority

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to establish a Gambling Regulation Authority as an independent establishment with a broad and complete subject arena to standardise gambling institutions, minimise social damage, promotion of tourism sector and ensure economic growth.

ICRC pledges support for new Government initiatives

The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society has agreed to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to strengthen the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

US sides with Russia in UN resolutions on Ukraine

The US has twice sided with Russia in votes at the UN to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the Trump administration’s change of stance on the war.

Heated arguments in Parliament after two MPs come up with murder allegations

Heated arguments erupted in Parliament today with ruling party MP Gamagedara Dissanayake and Opposition MP Rohini Kaviratne coming up with murder charges during the 1989 insurrection.

Colombo High Court grants bail to Gnanasara Thera

The Colombo High Court ordered the release on bail of the General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) organisation, Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, who was sentenced to simple imprisonment for insulting the religion of Islam.

Hydropower capacity reduced to 20 per cent due to dry spell: Official

Due to the prevailing dry weather conditions in Sri Lanka electricity generated by using hydropower has reduced due to high levels of heat, an official from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said.

Let us decide on LG polls date independently: EC to political parties

The date for the declaration of the Local Government (LG) elections, followed by the call for nominations, will be announced only after the budget debate is concluded, the Election Commission (EC) stated.

People begin to age in their 30s: Lifestyle Medicine Physician

Contrary to popular people’s belief that they start ageing later in life, Dr. Aruni Malwatta, a Lifestyle Medicine Physician, broke the misconception that the period of people beginning to age is as early as their 30s.

Bar Association urges IGP to launch inquiry

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday announced that extrajudicial killings could never be a solution to addressing the rise in criminal activity and that crime could be best curbed when the State adhered to the rule of law.

Mother, brother of female suspect arrested over Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder

Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, also known as Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

Indirect taxes continue to rip off people

Heavy reliance on indirect taxes is continuing to push up the cost of living, despite repeated efforts by successive governments to ease the financial strain by increasing the percentage of direct taxes instead.