JICA plans new support for Sri Lanka’s estate sector

Sri Lanka’s estate sector community is likely to receive significant multinational support, with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) looking to extend its assistance to improve the social and economic conditions of the estate communities.

Man killed by lightning strike

A 47-year-old man was killed after being struck by lightning in Medawachchiya this afternoon.

10 trains cancelled, 22 train services will not operate tomorrow

At least ten train services will be cancelled tomorrow due to the absence of train drivers and driver assistants, the Railways Department said.

Anaya Bangar: A journey of transformation and courage

Aryan Bangar, the son of former Indian cricketer and Batting Coach Sanjay Bangar, has courageously transitioned from male to female and now goes by the name Anaya Bangar.

Programme to issue birth, marriage, death certificates to SL expatriates through foreign missions

The government has announced a new initiative to issue copies of birth, marriage and death certificates to Sri Lankans living abroad through Sri Lankan embassies, aimed at providing greater convenience to the expatriate community, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

U.S. rescinds travel restrictions for Arugam Bay

The United States embassy in Sri Lanka today rescinded the travel restrictions for Arugam Bay on October 23.

EC warns of strict action against polling-related filming

The Election Commission has advised the public to refrain from photographing or filming any polling-related activities and uploading such images or videos on social media.

Bus transporting ballot boxes involved in accident

A bus carrying ballot boxes from Southlands College, Galle to polling stations collided with a car today.

Delhi chokes as air pollution turns ’severe’

People in India’s capital Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog as the air quality deteriorated to severe levels in the city.

Over 100 mm showers after 2 p.m on election day

There is a possibility of thundershowers exceeding 100 mm tomorrow after 2 p.m, Deputy Director of the Meteorology Department, Meril Mendis said.

Former PMD Director General allegedly threatens photographer

The Kahathuduwa Police launched an investigation following a complaint filed by a photographer from the Presidential Media Division (PMD), alleging that he was receiving threatening phone calls from the former Director General of the PMD.

New Government to review Pavithra’s gazette on Vidataltivu Nature Reserve

The Attorney General has informed the Supreme Court that the new government intends to review the Extraordinary Gazette notification issued by former Wildlife Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, which altered the boundaries of the Vidataltivu Nature Reserve to facilitate an aquaculture project.

Distribution of ballot boxes for general elections gets underway

The Election Commission announced that the distribution of ballot boxes and essential stationery for the 2024 General Elections commenced today.

Selfies from trains ends in disaster

A Korean tourist who had attempted to take a selfie from a moving train ended in disaster.

Large number of candidates costs state coffers dearly

The presence of a large number of candidates has cost the election authorities dearly in terms of additional expenses for extra counting centres, documentation work, and ballot paper printing, an official said yesterday.

Sierra Leone national arrested with Rs.13 million worth cocaine at BIA

A 32-year-old Sierra Leone national who attempted to smuggle in cocaine worth nearly Rs. 13 million through the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) was arrested on suspicion of trafficking narcotics.

Trump picks Musk to advise on how to ’dismantle’ bureaucracy

US President-elect Donald Trump has picked Elon Musk to lead a newly created Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) for his incoming administration.

IOC calls for suspension of NOCSL Secretary General

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has called for the immediate suspension of Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) Maxwell de Silva following the conclusions and the recommendations submitted by the NOC Ethics Committee.

Five leading liquor manufacturers to face licence cancellation by Nov 30th

Five leading liquor manufacturers including W. M. Mendis and Co. Limited will face imminent risk of losing its liquor production licence, if an accumulated tax arrears of Rs.8.5 billion is not settled by November 30th, the Daily Mirror learns.

Former MPs asked to hand over firearms by December 30

The Defence Ministry has notified former Members of Parliament, Provincial Councils and leaders of political parties and organisations, and officials in executive positions of the government, to surrender firearms and ammunition issued to them, by December 30, 2024.

New Parliament to convene on November 21

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has formally summoned the newly elected Parliament to convene for its inaugural session on November 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

National Mineral Policy needs revision to meet current legal, environmental standards

The National Mineral Policy in Sri Lanka should be revised to align with current legal and environmental conditions.

35 people are killed and 43 injured as motorist 'furious with divorce settlement'

At least 35 people were killed and dozens more injured when a driver who was allegedly unhappy with his divorce settlement drove into a crowd in China, police have revealed.

Pakistan’s toxic smog cover now visible from space

Record-breaking levels of thick, toxic smog that have shrouded eastern Pakistan and northern India since last month can be seen in striking satellite imagery.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease on the rise

Sri Lanka has reported a notable increase in cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in recent days.

Probe launched into controversial exam paper with political content

The Secretary to the Ministry of Education has directed officials to conduct an immediate investigation into the second-term general knowledge exam paper given to Grade 12 students at CWW Kannangara Central College in Mathugama.

Election Commission announces vote counting schedule

The Election Commission today announced the vote counting schedule for the general elections to be held on 14th of November.

UN Security Council considers action on Sudan war

The United Nations Security Council is discussing a British-drafted resolution that demands Sudan’s warring parties cease hostilities and calls on them to allow safe, rapid and unhindered deliveries of aid across front lines and borders.

Sufficient buses assigned to operate till Monday: SLTB Chairman

All Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depots have been instructed to assign their existing bus fleets for operations from today until Monday (18), SLTB Chairman Ramal Siriwardana said.

Fire breaks out at garment factory in Rajagiriya

A fire broke out at a temporary garment factory building on Meda Welikada Road in Rajagiriya.