570 train derailments reported since 2020

A total of 570 train derailment incidents, including those on railway lines and in railway yards, have been reported since 2020, according to the Railways Department.

Police on alert over alleged tourist activities in Arugam Bay

Police have initiated investigations into reports of tourists, including Israeli nationals, allegedly engaging in activities outside of leisure, such as business and religious practices, while on tourist visas in Arugam Bay.

Apply for passports only for urgent needs

Cabinet spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath today requested that public to apply for passports at the Immigration & Emigration Department only for urgent matters.

Contract awarded to M/s OQ Trading for 2025 LPG supply to Litro Gas

Approval has been granted to award the contract to M/s. OQ Trading Limited for the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to Litro Gas, Sri Lanka for the year 2025, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath said.

Lanka T10 Super League Player Draft set for November 10

The Player Draft for the inaugural Lanka T10 Super League will take place on November 10, 2024, in Colombo, the Sri Lanka Cricket said.

Government refutes printing money, obtaining foreign loans

While refuting reports of printing money under the new government, Cabinet spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath said today the government had neither printed money nor obtained loans from foreign countries or institutions.

Sale, distribution of pork suspended

A new gazette notification has been issued declaring all Divisional Secretary’s divisions in the country as “infected” or “suspected” areas due to the recent reports of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks among pigs.

150 injured in Kerala cracker tragedy, eyewitnesses recall ’’Ball Of Fire’’

More than 150 people were injured, 10 of them seriously, in a fireworks accident at a temple in Kerala’s Kasaragod district late last night. Shocking visuals from the spot showed crackers triggering a massive fire and a cloud of smoke as people gathered on the temple premises ran to safety.

Showers likely today in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-Western Provinces

Showers above 40 mm are likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts during the evening or night, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Australia T20 World Cup winner retires from international cricket

Australia veteran and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winner Matthew Wade has announced his retirement from international cricket.

Beware of ’Evil Twin’ attacks when using public Wi-Fi networks

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) is urging the public to exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi networks due to the risk of ’Evil Twin’ attacks.

Former Pradeshiya Sabha member murdered in Kegalle

A former Kegalle Pradeshiya Sabha member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna was found murdered in his home in Kossinna, Kegalle, police said.

Rs. 10 million contract killing averted

An individual suspected of preparing to destroy a woman on a contract of Rs. 10 million was taken into custody by the Organised Crime Investigation Unit of the CID during a raid in Habaraduwa area.

NGOs spend billions unchecked

The local and international NGOs registered with the National NGO Secretariat - have committed to spend as much as Rs.30 billion this year, yet more than double this amount is spent by such organisations which are unregistered, warranting the need to enact the proposed NGO Regulation and Supervision Bill as early as possible, an informed source said.

Sri Lanka exceeds last October’s tourist arrivals in first 27 days of month

Sri Lanka surpassed last October’s total tourist arrivals within the first 27 days of this month, indicating the potential for a double-digit growth trajectory.

Sri Lanka must shift to trade-oriented production to manage debt post-IMF: Economist

As Sri Lanka prepares to resume repayment of its significant sovereign debt by 2028, a leading economist has called for a strategic shift towards trade-oriented production, to secure a primary surplus essential for debt management, once the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme concludes.

Socialist parties in Sri Lanka facing new challenge: NPP

The National People’s Party (NPP) which obtained a single seat at the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha elections held yesterday, said people have made it clear in recent times that socialist parties cannot run a government effectively and safeguard its socialist ideology at the same time.

SLCERT warns WhatsApp users against sharing OTPs to prevent hacking

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) warned WhatsApp users today not to share any one-time password (OTP) with third parties, as their accounts are at risk of being hacked.

Station Masters to launch immediate trade union action

The Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) has decided to initiate immediate trade union action in response to the recruitment of Station Masters in violation of traditional recruitment procedures.

Former Deputy Speaker refutes allegations over official residence

While refuting reports, former Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapaksha said he has handed over his official residence to the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry.

Shortcomings in procurement process cause significant losses to government: NPC tells President

Shortcomings in the procurement process are causing significant losses to the government, officials from the National Procurement Commission (NPC) informed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today.

Case against Wimal Weerawansa postponed due to health issues

The trial against National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa, facing charges for causing disturbance to the public and normal traffic movements during a protest held in 2016, was today postponed as he failed to appear in court due to illness.

No travel ban, U.S. advisory for Sri Lanka similar to popular destinations, says Envoy

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said there is no travel ban on Sri Lanka, and the security advisory for Sri Lanka remains at Level 2, similar to other popular destinations such as France, Italy and the Maldives.

New York artist Spencer Tunick shoots mass nude photo on iconic Story Bridge

Thousands of men and women have stripped naked on Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge to take part in a dramatic art shoot.

Complaints related to General Elections mount: Eight incidents of violence

A total of 76 fresh complaints related to the upcoming Parliamentary elections were received, taking the total number of complaints to over 800.

Gary Kirsten steps down as Pakistan’s white-ball coach amid rift with PCB

A formal statement from the PCB regarding Kirsten’s departure is expected soon

Derailment on coastal line

A train plying to Colombo Fort from Panadura derailed at the Kompannavidiya railway station this morning, the Railways Department said.

Social media platform X suspends Hebrew account of Iran supreme leader

Times of Israel - Social media platform X has suspended the Hebrew-language account of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a day after it was opened.

World Test Championship - State of Play ahead of 2025 final

We take a look at what lies ahead for all Test sides and who remains in contention of reaching the 2025 World Test Championship Final.

Japan’s government in flux after election gives no party majority

The make-up of Japan’s future government was in flux on Monday after voters punished Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s scandal-tainted ruling coalition, leaving no party with a clear mandate to lead the world’s fourth-largest economy.