Quandary over nomination papers for LG polls due to changes in political affiliations

There is a quandary over nomination papers submitted for the local authorities’ election because of changes in political affiliations among candidates but the Election Commission has no choice but to proceed with the conduct of polls early next year, an official said.

Digging up treasure on court order

Excavations were carried out amid torrential rain on court order in a location in Expressway road reservation near Wandurawa Rajamaha Vihara in Veyangoda on information that a treasure had been buried there, but it was postponed for yesterday after no evidence of a treasure was found.

Negligence of officers led to Easter Sunday attacks: Pillayan

Why not record statements from Shani, Ravi? he asks

United in art: Children collaborate to celebrate 35 years of CRC

Underscoring their commitment to creating a platform for children to express themselves, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is staging a one-of-a-kid art exhibition at the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Child Rights Convention (CRC).

Human trafficking on the rise Sri Lanka sees 60% surge in cases in 2024, Report reveals

Sri Lanka remains on Tier 2 of the TIP report

Pathfinder Foundation Hosts Dialogue on “Great Power Competition in the Indo-Pacific”

Pathfinder Foundation hosted its fifth Dialogue with Diplomats, focused on “The Great Power Competition in the Indo-Pacific and its impact on Small States in South Asia, with a special reference to Sri Lanka” held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo recently. The Dialogue provided a platform for Colombo-based diplomats and subject experts to explore the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region and their implications for small states such as

Sri Padastana faces environmental threats from off-season visitors

Off-season visitors often entered the forest away from the pilgrims’ route and collected plants to be taken away

Low-pressure system to bring heavy rain in the coming days

Public advised to take precautions against damage from strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms

15-year-old schoolgirl impregnated, mother’s paramour arrested

An individual who raped and impregnated a 15-year-old schoolgirl was arrested yesterday by Nochchiyagama Police.

Third review of debt restructuring with IMF concludes

The discussions related to the third review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme concluded yesterday, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

35 MPs seek housing facilities at Madiwela complex

Thirty-five new MPs have asked for housing facilities at the Madiwela Housing Complex, according to an informed source.

Discrepancies in issuance of permits to expatriate workers to import electric vehicles

There have been abuses in the issuance of permits for expatriate workers to import electric vehicles, according to an audit report.

Chewing betel and spitting, Badulla Municipality to book bus drivers, conductors, passengers

During a recent raid, the Public Health Inspectors netted 20 individuals and decided to file action against them

Illicit gem miners arrested in Maha Eliya reserve

A group of illicit gem miners in Maha Eliya Forest Reserve in Bogawantalawa was arrested and their tools and equipment seized by Meepilimana STF in Nuwara Eliya last morning.

Harini’s FR Petition over protest attack to be heard on January 30

About 150 to 200 members of the Women’s Wing of Jathika Jana Balawegaya had attended the protest

Renaissance begins...

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrives at the Parliament complex for the inauguration of the first session of the Tenth Parliament yesterday.

Jaffna MP stirs Parliament by claiming Opposition Leader’s seat

Jaffna District Independent MP Archuuna Ramanathan refused to move away after he sat on the Opposition Leader’s seat inside the chambers despite requests by Parliament staff to move.

Tenth P’ment meets for the first time with many firsts

The tenth Parliament met yesterday creating history with novel features seen for the first time. For the first time, first- timer Dr. Asoka Ranwala, was elected Speaker of the House uncontested.

Half of child population may be nearsighted by 2050 due to screen use

Thirty percent of children are nearsighted due to prolonged use of digital screens, and the World Health Organization predicts that this figure will rise to 50 percent by 2050, Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital (LRH) Ophthalmologist Dr. Anusha Thennekumbura said.

Special unit to address crop damage by toque monkeys and other animals

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation has established a special unit to address the issue of harmful animal populations causing significant damage to crops.

Will reach staff level agreement with IMF today: President

The government will reach a staff level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today with regard to the IMF 3rd review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday.

Katkolam Army Camp land in North disbanded

In a move under the Army’s restructuring plan, an 8-acre land of the Katkolam Army camp in the north will be returned to civilians, the Army said.

Young Voices, Big Impact: Children Take Over the Daily Mirror

To celebrate World Children’s Day and mark 35 years of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Daily Mirror turned over its reins to an extraordinary group of editors, writers, and creative minds—children! In collaboration with UNICEF Sri Lanka and supported by the National Institute of Education, this initiative showcased the power of children’s voices when given the platform to shine.

Four Member committee appointed to probe Ravi K

The allies of the New Democratic Front (NDF) who met yesterday together with Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe decided to appoint a four member committee to probe Karunanayake whom they accused of foul play in getting himself nominated from the national list.

Army camps must not be withdrawn compromising national security: Namal

National Organiser of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has expressed serious concern over the recent withdrawal of an army camp in the Northern Province and plans to dismantle several more camps in the coming months.

Ceremonial opening of 10th Parliament to go down in history

The ceremonial opening of the tenth Parliament today will go down in history for a number of reasons as it is set to be different after more than a half a century. The tenth Parliament will see 160 new MPs who will be entering the House for the first time. It will also go down in history as the legislature with highest number of female MPs. The New Parliament comprises 22 female members.

Ranil to visit India today

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is to visit India on a personal tour today.

2012 shooting spree at JVP Meeting Death sentence affirmed on Julampitiye Amare

The Court of Appeal has upheld the death sentence imposed by the Tangalle High Court on Geeganage Gamage Amarasiri, alias ‘Julampitiye Amare,’ who was found guilty of killing two individuals and injuring another at a JVP meeting in 2012 at Katuwana, Hambantota

Government to import 70,000 tonnes of Nadu rice

The government has decided to import Nadu rice subject to maximum of 70,000 tonnes as a solution to the shortage of rice in the market, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe said yesterday.

I got nominated for slot meant for NDF as per agreement - Ravi K

In response to controversy over National List nomination, Mr. Ravi Karunanayake said there is no moral issue here because the New Democratic Front (NDF) has been assured of one slot in accordance with the MoU signed among the alliance partners.