LGBTIQ rights groups urge new Govt. to decriminalize same-sex affairs between SL women

Social activist groups lobbying for LGBTIQ rights yesterday urged the new government to make necessary legal reforms to decriminalize same-sex relationships between consenting adult women in Sri Lanka, as stated by the NPP policies to improve welfare of the LGBTIQ community.

Ruwanpura expressway suspended

The new government has suspended the construction of the Ruwanpura expressway which is meant to link Kahathuduwa in the Western Province with Pelmadulla via Ratnapura in the Sabaragamuwa Province, due to financial constraints, an official said.

Don’t rush to fix date for LG polls; Opposition tells EC

Opposition parties who met the chairman of the Election Commission and other members have informed them not to rush to fix a date for the Local Government election thus indicating that they are looking for a postponement of the election.

Tragic accident claims life of student in Polonnaruwa

A sixth-grade student from Palugasdamana Maha Vidyalaya tragically died after an iron pipe from a soccer goal net fell on his head while watching a cricket tournament at Thopawewa Vidyalaya in Polonnaruwa, according to police.

Boyfriend takes his own life

A 29-year-old man from Puliyampokkanai in Kilinochchi, tragically ended his life after his girlfriend reportedly refused his Valentine’s Day proposal to visit Jaffna together.

Verité Research unveils Sri Lanka’s grant data worth USD 8.9 Bn

Since its independence, Sri Lanka has been a recipient of bilateral and multilateral grants, which have supported a range of initiatives such as knowledge transfers, health and education improvements, infrastructure development and vital humanitarian assistance.

President holds final phase of discussions on Budget draft

A preliminary discussion on the final phase of drafting the Budget 2025, which is scheduled to be presented to Parliament on February 17, was held this afternoon (13) at the Presidential Secretariat under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Another contingent departs for UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan

The 11th contingent of the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (SLAMC) has embarked on its mission to serve at the Level-2 SRIMED Hospital under the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday (13).

Water supply suspended in security quarters of MR’s Wijerama residence

Water supply has been disconnected in a section of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s official Wijerama residence where security guards are stationed. The disconnection is reportedly due to unpaid water bills amounting to Rs. 429,000, officials confirmed.

Sajith has to be the leader of broader opposition alliance: Madduma Bandara

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa has to lead the broader opposition alliance as he leads the largest opposition party at the moment, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said today.

NR Consultation case against Namal: CID still awaiting AG’s advice

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today sent a reminder to the Attorney General to expedite his legal advice regarding a case filed against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa and four others for their alleged involvement in money laundering amounting to Rs.15 million in a company allegedly owned by Namal Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka needs investments coming in, not going out: Chamith Wijesundera

While describing Adani Green Energy’s decision to withdraw from its wind energy project in Sri Lanka as not a good sign for the country, National Organizer of the SJB Youth, Chamith Wijesundera said that Sri Lanka needs investments coming in, not going out.

Several injured after vehicle drives into crowd in Munich

A car drove into a group of people leaving several injured in Munich, police have said.

Lasantha Wickrematunge murder case: AG suspends discharge of three suspects

The Attorney General has informed the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court that the decision to discharge three suspects related to the abduction of Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickremetunge’s driver has been temporarily suspended.

Third anniversary of Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russia hails Sri Lanka’s neutral position

On the occasion of the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian Ambassador Levan S. Dzhagaryan commended Sri Lanka’s neutral, non-aligned policy in this regard and expressed hope that the new government will follow the same stand.

Adani Green Energy confirms its withdrawal from Sri Lanka

Adani Green Energy, part of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s Adani Group, has decided to withdraw from its wind energy project in Mannar, Sri Lanka.

Security officer threatens employees with knife at Printing Department

A tense situation was reported at the Government Printing Department after a confrontation between a security officer and several employees.

Moderate air quality levels across all cities

The Vehicular Emission Test Trust Fund of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) reported that air quality remains at a moderate level in all cities across the country.

UAE, Sri Lanka sign agreement to strengthen economic, investment relations

Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reached an agreement on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments to strengthen economic and investment relations between the two countries.

Ex-Google boss fears AI could be used by terrorists

The former chief executive of Google is worried artificial intelligence could be used by terrorists or ’’rogue states’’ to ’’harm innocent people.’’

Indian giant, Adani to pull out of Sri Lanka?

The Adani Group which was in discussions to set up a wind power plant in Mannar, is likely to pull out of Sri Lanka due to the delays in approvals and decisions by the governments, the Daily Mirror learns.

Food varieties have no link to childhood cancer: Specialist

Despite claims that various food varieties containing chemical food preservatives have resulted in the increase in childhood cancer, a medical specialist said yesterday food pattern or food varieties have no direct impact on childhood cancer.

2,000 doctors exit health services

A total of 2,000 doctors have already left the health services and 5,000 more are set to leave the country, according to the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA).

President Anura Kumara returns

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake returned to the island this morning after concluding his three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and attending the World Government Summit 2025.

One-hour power cut scheduled for today

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has announced that island-wide power interruptions will occur for one hour today (13).

AG has not withdrawn advice letter

The Attorney General (AG) has not withdrawn his advice letter, sent on January 27, 2025, which discharged three suspects related to the abduction of Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickremetunge’s driver and the disappearance of Lasantha’s field notebook, reliable sources at the AG’s Department said.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with kindness: Feed a stray dog

The Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population is encouraging the public to celebrate this Valentine’s Day (February 14) by providing food and water to starving stray dogs as they are our closest, most adorable, tail-wagging friends.

Fair weather across the country, possible ground frost in Nuwara Eliya

The Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre announced today that fair weather will prevail over most parts of the island.

Legal Officers’ Association of AG’s Dept., vows to defend AG, fight any move to remove him

The Legal Officer’s Association of the Attorney General’s Department firmly asserted that the Attorney General and officials involved in the relevant decision-making process have exercised their independent professional judgment in line with the esteemed traditions of the Attorney General’s Department regarding recent recommendations to discharge the three suspects in a case.

Farmer conference sabotaged

A tense atmosphere prevailed in the Angunukolapelessa area today when a group of individuals protested against a ‘Farmers’ Conference’ organised by the National Agrarian Congress at the Uswewa Gemi Diriya Community Hall in Angunukolapelessa. Its convenor Wimal Wattuhewa was scheduled to address the conference.