Jerome not a Catholic Bishop, don’t get deceived: Catholic Church

The Catholic Bishops Conference in Sri Lanka today clarified that Pastor Jerome Fernando was not a Bishop of the Catholic Church, and therefore the members of its church should not be deceived.

CEA urges Sri Pada visitors to avoid dumping polythene, plastic waste

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) urges devotees visiting Sri Pada to refrain from disposing of waste, including polythene and plastic, in the area.

Jayasuriya laments batting failures after Sri Lanka’s series defeat to Proteas

Sri Lanka’s dreams of reaching the ICC World Test Championship final have taken a severe hit following a 2-0 series defeat in South Africa.

NDF nominates Faizer Mustapha as National List MP

The New Democratic Front (NDF) has submitted the name of Faizer Mustapha as its national list MP, NDF General Secretary Sharmila Perera said.

8 suspects in remand custody over Club Wasantha shooting granted bail

Eight suspects, including the owner of the tattoo shop in Athurugiriya, who had been remanded over the double murder of businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera alias Club Wasantha and another in Aturugiriya on July 08, were ordered to be released on bail by Homagama High Court Judge Mohamed Ishardeen.

Over 1,000 Sri Lankan workers set to leave for Israel between Dec 2024-Jan 2025

A total of 1,802 Sri Lankan workers are set to leave for Israel between December 2024 and January 2025, according to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.

Govt approves plan for use of Visumpaya, Presidential mansions

The government has granted approval to introduce an appropriate system for the utilisation of the bungalow Visumpaya and existing Presidential mansions in various areas under the control of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.

Govt. approval granted to receive 22 diesel engines from India

The Indian Railways have agreed to provide 22 American Locomotive Company (ALCO) diesel engines to Sri Lanka Railways as a grant from the Indian Government.

Dr. Anil Jasinghe appointed as Health Ministry and Mass Media Secretary

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Dr. Anil Jasinghe as the new Secretary to the Ministries of Health and Mass Media.

China to provide entire requirement of school uniform fabric for 2025 as grant

China is to provide the entire requirement of school uniform fabric for schoolchildren for the year 2025 as a grant, the Education Ministry said.

Ministries to launch sustainable solution to protect crops from wild animals

Measures are underway by the Environment Ministry and the Ministry of Technology and Research to launch a long-term, scientific and sustainable solution to protect crops from being destroyed by wild animals, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced.

President to visit India on Sunday; set to meet Indian President, PM

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to visit India between December 15 and 17 as his maiden state visit, Cabinet spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Speaker to make statement on his doctorate soon: Dr. Jayatissa

Speaker Dr. Ashoka Ranwala will make a statement in a few days regarding various reports on his doctorate, Cabinet spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Parliament website removes ’Dr.’ title from Speaker’s profile

Amid allegations over the academic qualifications of Speaker Asoka Ranwala, the Sri Lanka Parliament website has removed the title ’Dr.’ from his profile.

Suspension of Parate executions extended till March 2025

The Cabinet has approved an extension of the suspension on ’Parate executions’ till March 31 of next year, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Digital driving licenses coming soon

The government has approved the issuing of digital driving licenses to replace the current ones, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Mass evacuation of Philippine villages underway after a brief but major volcanic eruption

About 87,000 people were being evacuated in a central Philippine region Tuesday a day after a volcano briefly erupted with a towering ash plume and superhot streams of gas and debris hurtling down its western slopes.

Do not mislead public on vehicle imports: Minister urges importers

Despite advertisements by vehicle importers claiming that vehicle imports will soon be allowed, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa urged them not to mislead the public with such claims.

Champion cyclist pleads guilty over wife’s car death

Former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis has pleaded guilty over a car incident in Australia which killed his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins.

Congo mystery disease: No screening as yet: Health Ministry

Responding to reports of a mystery disease spreading in Congo affecting children, Sri Lanka has not yet started screening at airports as the threat seems extremely minimal.

Viral flu hits children

An influenza-like illness is making the rounds among children in Sri Lanka, causing concern among parents.

Low-pressure area to approach Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu tomorrow

The low pressure area persisting over south-east Bay of Bengal is likely to continue to move west-north-westwards and reach over southwest Bay of Bengal off the Sri Lanka – Tamil Nadu coasts by tomorrow (11), the Meteorological Department said.

Maximum wholesale, retail prices for local rice varieties issued

A gazette notification (2414/02) was issued yesterday by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), specifying the maximum retail and wholesale prices for local rice varieties.

US imposes sanctions on Kapila Chandrasena, Udayanga Weeratunga

The United States has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on two Sri Lankans — Kapila Chandrasena, former CEO of SriLankan Airlines and Udayanga Weeratunga, former ambassador to Russia — along with their immediate family members.

Apply ’Small Family’ concept to animals to control population: Seelarathana Thera

The concept of a ’’Small Family’’ (Punchi Pawula Raththaran), which was introduced to the Sinhalese community by a former politician, should also be applied to animals to control their population, according to Janasetha Peramuna leader, Battaramulle Seelarathana Thera.

Former CCD director Nevil Silva arrested

Former Director of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), Assistant Superintendent of Police Nevil Silva has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department.

’Liquor licences provided under transparent programme during my regime’: Ranil

Liquor licenses were provided under a transparent programme enabling the government to earn a revenue of Rs. 4 billion in 2024, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Transport allowance cuts for 2024 A/L exams spark controversy: Stalin

An issue has arisen over the issue of two circulars by the Examinations Commissioner General regarding the reduction of transport allowances for officials engaged in examination duties for the 2024 Advanced Level (A/L) examinations, Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin said

Maharaj bowls South Africa to 109-run win, sweep of Sri Lanka

Keshav Maharaj took five wickets as South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 109 runs on the fifth day of the second Test at St George’s Park on Monday.

Air quality in all urban areas reaches slightly adverse levels

Air quality across all urban areas of the island has reached slightly adverse levels today, according to reports.