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.

Minister Lalkantha, Govt. have to walk the talk: SJB MP

Minister of Agriculture K.D. Lal Kantha should walk the talk and introduce new laws to enable landowners and farmers to take action against animals that destroy crops, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha said today.

Lohan Ratwatte granted bail

Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte was granted bail today over a road accident caused while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Sufficient stocks of eggs to meet market demand

The Sri Lanka Association of Animal Production announced today that sufficient stocks of eggs have been released to the market to prevent any shortages.

Podi Lassie granted bail

Underworld figure Arumahandi Janith Madushanka Silva alias Podi Lassie was released on bail by Balapitiya Magistrate R.D. Janaka.

Opposition wins Ghana presidential election, vice-president says

Ghana’s Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia has accepted defeat in Saturday’s election and congratulated the opposition candidate, former President John Mahama, on his victory.

Sri Lanka’s ‘Ava’ gang leader arrested in Canada on murder charges

A man believed to be the head of a Sri Lankan motorcycle gang is facing extradition to France to face murder charges after being arrested in Toronto this spring, the Star has learned.

New secretary appointed to Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Attorney-at-Law M.A.L.S. Manthrinayake as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources.

Mobile phone, accessories recovered behind Podi Lassi’s cell in Boossa

A mobile phone and some mobile phone accessories have been recovered while hidden close to the special cell where underworld figure Podi Lassi was detained in the Boossa Prison Rehabilitation Centre.

Sri Lanka logs over 850 Dengue cases in eight days

A total of 858 cases of Dengue were reported over the past eight days, indicating a notable uptick in the outbreak

Lohan Ratwatte withdraws writ petition

A writ petition filed by former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte over a case involving an unregistered luxury vehicle, was withdrawn today before the Court of Appeal.

Woman killed in crash involving MP Ponnambalam’s vehicle

A woman was killed after a vehicle belonging to All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC) Parliamentarian Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam crashed into her at a pedestrian crossing at Bolawatta Junction in Puttalam yesterday.

Sri Lanka’s rice industry held hostage by powerful mill owners: Rehan

The rice industry in Sri Lanka is being held hostage by a handful of powerful mill owners who manipulate prices, exploit farmers and create shortages to maximise their profits, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Weligama Organiser Rehan Jayawickreme said.

High coconut prices: No Sambol, Kiri Hodi in canteens

Serving of coconut Sambol (salad made of scraped coconut meat) and Kiri Hodi (gravy made of coconut milk) has been stopped at canteens in most of the places across the country due to the high prices of coconuts in the market, according to Harshana Rukshan who is the head of All Ceylon Canteen Operators’ Association.

Over 2,000 senior & junior sailors promoted to mark SL Navy’s 74 anniversary

A total of 2,138 officers and other ranks of the Sri Lanka Navy have been promoted to their next ranks following the recommendation of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, to mark the 74th Anniversary of the Navy, which falls today.

Ukrainian war dead reaches 43,000, Zelensky says in rare update

Some 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, Volodymyr Zelensky has said in a rare admission of the extent of the nation’s casualties.

Sri Lanka among top ten most improved in Basel AML Index 2024

Sri Lanka has secured a place among the top ten countries demonstrating the most progress in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, as highlighted by the 13th Basel AML Index 2024.

Ousted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus

Ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally, Russian media said Sunday, hours after a stunning rebel advance seized control of Damascus and ended his family’s 50 years of iron rule.

Only 263 drug addicts currently under rehabilitation

In response to the increasing number of drug addicts, the Bureau of Rehabilitation has informed the Ministry of Justice and National Integration that it can accommodate over 800 individuals, including dozens of women, for rehabilitation from toxic drug addiction.

No annual bonus for CEB employees

Despite request by the ruling party - affiliated Ceylon Electricity Employees’ Union, the director board of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has not approved bonus for its workers this year, an informed source said.

November remittances at US$ 530mn taking total to US$ 6.0bn

The Sri Lankans working abroad have sent back US$ 530.1 million in November.

November tourism earnings jump to US$ 273 mn on solid winter season arrivals

Tourism earnings in November 2024 recorded US$ 272.9 million, rising sharply from US$ 205.3 million in the same month a year ago and US$ 185.6 million generated in October due to a solid winter arrivals season.

Man shot dead in Gampaha

A 39-year-old man riding a motorcycle was shot dead in Gampaha this evening.

Sri Lankan students shine at Asia Pacific ICT Awards in Brunei

Sri Lanka’s young innovators achieved a remarkable milestone at the prestigious Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA) 2024, held in Brunei from December 4 to 7.

Sripada pilgrimage begins on December 14

The Sripada pilgrimage season for 2024/25 will commence on Unduwap full moon poya day on December 14 after taking caskets of sacred relics, the image of the deity and the royal regalia from the Sripada Rajamaha Vihara in Galpottawala in procession to Sri Padasthanaya.

Leaving animal control to people to protect crops unacceptable: CEJ

As a government, it is unacceptable to leave the control of animals that damage crops entirely in the hands of the people without taking appropriate action, Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) legal advisor Ravindranath Dabare said.