New Ambassadors, High Commissioner invited to attend Independence Day celebrations

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has invited the new Ambassadors and High Commissioner, who officially presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently, to attend Sri Lanka’s Independence Day celebrations.

Special Commodity Levy on imported big onions reduced

Special Commodity Levy on imported big onions will be reduced from Rs.30 to Rs. 10 per kilo till December 31, 2024, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said.

Kilinochchi man with British citizenship detained at BIA over terrorist funding

A 43-year-old man from Kilinochchi, who holds British citizenship, was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) due to a travel ban imposed on him in 2009.

Sri Lanka drops to 5th in WTC after crushing defeat by South Africa

South Africa climbed to second place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a commanding 233-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Durban on Saturday. Marco Jansen was the standout performer for the hosts, delivering exceptional match figures of 11/86.

Three suspects arrested for promoting banned LTTE activities via social media

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) arrested three individuals for disturbing public peace by promoting LTTE Mahaviru commemorations.

Ceypetco revises fuel prices

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) has announced a revision of fuel prices, effective from midnight today.

Naval, fishing communities warned not to venture to sea till further notice

Naval and fishing communities have been warned not to venture out to deep and shallow sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankesanthurai until further notice.

Government to take decision if Laugfs fails to supply gas: Minister

The government will take a decision if Laugfs Gas fails to intervene to import and supply LP gas to the consumers, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe said today.

Neville Fernando Hospital to cater to health tourism

The government is planning to develop Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) under a new model targeting health tourism, the Health Ministry said.

Lieutenant Commander killed in wild elephant attack

A 41-year-old naval officer attached to the Punewa Navy camp was killed in a wild elephant attack last night, Police said.

Rainfall fuels rise in dengue and leptospirosis cases: Expert

As a cyclonic storm sweeps over Sri Lanka, health experts warn of the spread of waterborne and communicable diseases in regions experiencing heavy rains and flooding.

Vegetable prices rise due to heavy rains and floods

Agrarian Organisations in the Central Province warned that the already soaring prices of vegetables would further increase due to the prevailing heavy rain and floods, which have caused crop devastation.

Japan to consider new projects only after considering their economic status only: Embassy

Japan will consider new projects in Sri Lanka only after examining any request from the Sri Lankan authorities and its economic status first, the Japanese Embassy said yesterday.

Floodwaters receding, yet risk remains in some areas

Floods caused by deep depression that created havoc in many parts of the country started receding today but some areas including the Northern Province are still facing risk, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

Govt. assures support for farmers affected by bad weather

Farmers whose fields have been damaged by recent adverse weather conditions will be provided with full assistance to recover from the impacts, said Agriculture and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lal Kantha.

Chinese journalist jailed for seven years on spy charges

A former Chinese state media journalist has been sentenced on Friday to seven years in prison for espionage, his family has confirmed to the BBC.

Parliament Secretary-General clarifies stance on perks granted to MPs

Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera has clarified the process and policies regarding the privileges granted to Members of Parliament (MPs) and the allocation of official residences.

Water cut in Colombo 12, 13, 14, 15

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced that a water cut is currently in effect in Colombo 12, 13, 14 and 15.

Injury blow for South Africa as all-rounder exits Sri Lanka series

Wiaan Mulder will miss the remainder of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka after sustaining a fractured right middle finger.

Applications called to appoint members to Office on Missing Persons

Applications have been called for to fill the vacancies for the posts of members in the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the Communications Department of Parliament said.

Cyclone Fengal forms after heavy rains lash Sri Lanka’s Northeast

The deep depression that caused significant disruption in Sri Lanka’s northeastern regions over the past few days has intensified into Cyclone Fengal, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Rajarata Rejini derails

The Rajarata Rejini intercity express train, traveling from Anuradhapura to Beliatta, derailed between Colombo Fort and Secretariat Halt Railway Station, the Railways Department said.

Air quality in SL at unhealthy level: AQI

According to the real-time Air Quality Index (AQI), the air pollution level indicated in Sri Lanka’s atmosphere is still at risk and the country will experience unhealthy air quality conditions.

Heavy rains damage several roads, bridges: RDA to construct temporary bridges

Several roads and bridges were damaged due to the adverse weather situation that prevailed during the last few days, Director General of the Road Development Authority (RDA) S.P.M. Sooriyabandara said.

Rajitha acquitted and released from white van press conference case

The Colombo High Court today ordered the acquittal and release of two accused, including former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, in the controversial White Van press conference case.

ABBA Tribute Show: Yes, we attended, enjoyed it as people with palate for it: Tilvin

In response to criticism on social media over participation in ABBA Tribute Show at Mount Lavinia Hotel, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said he, along with others, attended and enjoyed it as people with a palate for enjoyment.

Sri Lanka records highest HIV cases in single quarter

Sri Lanka has experienced a dramatic surge in HIV/AIDS cases during the second half of 2024, marking the highest number of cases logged in a single quarter since 2009.

Deega Danthu 1’s death costs Sri Lanka Rs. 90 million annually: Environmentalist

The sudden death of the elephant Deega Danthu 1 has caused the country an annual loss of approximately Rs. 90 million in foreign exchange, environmentalist Nayanaka Ranwella claimed.

Indian Navy seizes two Sri Lankan vessels with 500kg of ICE

In a coordinated operation between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy, two Sri Lankan-flagged fishing vessels were intercepted and seized with 500 kg of narcotics (Crystal Meth) in the Indian Ocean.

A fatal car crash in India sparks concerns over Google Maps

Can a navigation app be held responsible if a user gets into an accident? That is the question being asked in India after three men died when their car veered off an unfinished bridge and fell on to a riverbed in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.