Youth arrested for blackmailing individual through nude photos, videos

A 20-year-old man was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for blackmailing an individual and extorting Rs. 700,000 by threatening to release his nude pictures and videos on social media.

Animal Health Dept eases restrictions on African Swine Fever control

The Department of Animal Production and Health issued a gazette notification relaxing certain restrictions previously imposed to prevent the spread of and control infected areas affected by the African swine fever outbreak and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).

Two dead as vehicle swept away by strong currents in Thummodara canal

Two individuals drowned after their vehicle, which attempted to cross the Thummodara Canal on the Eswatta Manakada Road in Kosgama was swept away by strong water currents.

Lighting of crackers at election meetings a disturbance?

A recent incident which took place during an election meeting suggested that lighting crackers has become a disturbance. This incident seemed to have made the candidates contesting this year’s General Election to think that it is a disturbance.

SL rated ’medium risk’ for money laundering, terrorist financing

With Sri Lanka being identified as a country with medium risk for money laundering and terrorist financing even with the involvement of NGOs, the National NGO Secretariat signed a MoU with the Finance Intelligence Unit of Central Bank yesterday to step up national efforts in curbing such unlawful activities, an official said yesterday.

Customs launch online tracking system for CusDec and containers

Sri Lanka Customs today announced the launch of its new tracking system for Customs Declarations (CusDec) and containers, which is available online for the public from today (6).

Ceylon Chamber presses for streamlined cargo clearance to boost economy

Sri Lanka’s cargo clearance delays are a significant impediment to economic growth, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) stated in a recent report, calling for improvements in customs efficiency, inter-agency coordination, and increased use of technology.

Landslide warning issued for eight districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) today (05) issued early landslide warnings for eight districts.

Appeal Court upholds four-year jail term for ex-deputy minister

The Court of Appeal today upheld the four-year rigorous imprisonment sentence imposed by the Colombo High Court on former Deputy Minister Shantha Premaratne for soliciting and accepting a bribe in 2007.

Sri Lanka to experience heavy showers tonight, tomorrow

The Department of Meteorology has predicted substantial rainfall for most parts of the island tonight.

Rural development, government’s primary objective this term: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that rural development and upgrading the rural people’s social and economic well-being is one of the primary objectives of the government during this term.

Chief Jailor, another official of New Magazine Prison interdicted

The Chief Jailor and a Prison Guard (storekeeper) at the Colombo New Magazine Prison have been interdicted after they were found to have supplied mobile phones to inmates.

Polls open for 2024 US Election Day

Polls have opened for the 2024 United States election, a national vote that will decide not only the next president of the country but also the makeup of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Tensions rise as Nawalapitiya villagers confront Pastor Jerome

A tense situation arose between the security officers of Pastor Jerome Fernando and villagers of Nawalapitiya when Jerome arrived in the area to oversee the construction of a rehabilitation centre for children.

Ill-fated KDU bus driven by driver with suspended license

The driver of the bus that encountered a fatal accident in Badulla had driven the bus with a fake license after his license was suspended by the Galle Magistrate over an accident.

CBK raises concerns over assassination plot amid security cut

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga raised alarm over a significant reduction in her security detail, warning of the potential for a targeted assassination, similar to the politically motivated killing of her husband, Vijaya Kumaratunga.

Dubai consulate extends amnesty period by two months

The general amnesty period announced by the Dubai Consulate General, initially set to end on October 31, has been extended by two months, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said.

Sri Lankan migrants stranded on Diego Garcia offered move to UK

Migrants stranded for years on the remote Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia will be offered the right to come to the UK, under a government proposal.

Ex-Minister Wijesekera denies CPSTL chairman’s claim on compensation agreement

Former Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera condemned a recent statement by Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) Chairman D.J.A.S De S. Rajakaruna, clarifying that the previous government did not enter into any agreement with other operators to compensate them for losses incurred on sales or pricing.

SC orders continuation of trial against Pujith, Hemasiri over Easter Sunday attacks

While setting aside the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar judgment which acquitted former IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando of charges related to the Easter Sunday bomb attack case, the Supreme Court today ordered the Trial-at-Bar to proceed with the trial and to call upon the accused to present their defence

Nine reservoirs start spilling due to heavy rains

A total of nine out of 73 major reservoirs have begun spilling due to heavy rains in the catchment areas, the Water Management Branch of the Irrigation Department reported.

When will we know who has won the US election?

American voters go to the polls on 5 November to choose their next president.

Man arrested for circulating fake Rs. 5,000 note featuring President’s image

A 38-year-old man was arrested for circulating an image of a fake Rs. 5,000 note, featuring a picture of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on social media.

Sri Lanka ranks 95 along with Iran and South Sudan in Passport Index

Singapore has once again claimed the title of the world’s most powerful passport, according to the latest Henley Passport Index released in October 2024 by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners.

Search of his residence: Sujeewa to file legal action

While labelling the search of his residence as an act of political victimisation, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National Organizer Sujeewa Senasinghe said today that he will file legal action against the Walana Corruption Prevention Unit.

Woman hacked to death at private hospital in Trincomalee

The Trincomalee Police have launched an investigation after a woman was hacked to death inside a private hospital in Trincomalee early this morning.

Thai woman nabbed at BIA with ’ice’ worth Rs. 100 million

A Thai woman arriving from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with 197 grams of ’ice’ (crystal methamphetamine) concealed in her luggage.

Bangladesh steps up repayments to Adani to avoid power supply cut

Bangladesh is ramping up payments to Adani Power after the Indian conglomerate cut electricity supplies by half, reportedly over an unpaid $800m bill.

Ex-soldier arrested with stock of firearms

A retired army soldier was arrested with an AK-47 rifle, several other firearms, and sharp weapons during a raid in Embilipitiya yesterday.

Journalists prevented from covering PM’s meeting with Mahanayaka

Journalists who gathered to cover the meeting which Prime Minister Harini Amararasuriya had with the Mahanayaka of the Ramanya Chapter, Most Venerable Makulewe Wimala Thera in Kalutara were reportedly prevented from carrying out their duties.