Sri Lankan jailed for murdering wife with axe in front of their children

A Sri Lankan man has been sentenced to 37 years in jail for murdering his wife with an axe in front of their teenage children, in what a judge has described as a brutal and horrific attack.

Sri Lankan man charged for alleged sexual assault on international flight

A Sri Lankan man faced Broadmeadows Magistrates Court today (19 December 2024) charged with allegedly committing an act of indecency on board an international flight.

Sajith still to submit educational certificates to Paliament: Nalinda

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has not submitted his educational certificates to Parliament as yet, despite his claims of tabling them in Parliament yesterday, Cabinet spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Sri Lanka Police to get Rs. 300 Mn worth of vehicles

Cabinet approval was granted to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Sri Lanka to acquire vehicles for the Sri Lanka Police under an Indian grant.

Finally, retirement age of medical specialists to be gazetted

Following unrest and uncertainty regarding the unpublished gazette on the retirement age of medical specialists, which risks the premature retirement of over 200 specialists, the Ministry of Public Administration has decided to take steps to publish the gazette notification, Daily Mirror learns.

13 killed after Navy speedboat collides with ferry near Mumbai

An Indian Navy speedboat that was undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry off the Mumbai coast today. The navy in a statement said 13 people including a naval officer and two people from the original equipment manufacturer were killed in the accident.

The media is not to blame, Prime Minister!

Last week, the government faced a diplomatic blunder when Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya accepted a consignment of school uniforms from China and ended up thanking the ‘Republic of China’ which Taiwan is officially known as instead of the ‘People’s Republic of China’, in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador and other officials.

Passport crisis brews further, Govt appoints committee to seek solution

The crisis involving the issuing of passports brews further with the available number of copies being sufficient only till July next year.

CID launches probe into alleged human trafficking under ‘E8 visa’ scheme

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into the alleged E-8 visa scandal of sending persons for employment to South Korea.

Preparations underway to welcome President during visit to China: Chinese envoy

Preparations are underway to warmly welcome President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his future visit to China, Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Qin Boyong said.

PCR and Antigen test kits imported by unregistered company: Minister

PCR and rapid antigen test kits have been imported to Sri Lanka by a company which has not been registered with National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA) during the COVID 19 pandemic period, Parliament was informed today.

Will export energy to BIMSTEC countries: Foreign Minister

Claiming that no agreement which betrays the country was signed with India, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said today the agreement on power grid connectivity aims to export excessive energy generated in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka name a strong squad for New Zealand T20Is

Led by Charith Asalanka, the squad remains unchanged from their home series against the Black Caps back in November.

GCE (O/L) 2024 (2025) exams date announced

The Examinations Department today announced the date for the 2024 (2025) GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) examinations.

Danu partners with World Vision Lanka to uplift mental wellbeing of children

Hi TV Head of Channel, Danu Innasithamby signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with World Vision Lanka today (18), pledging partnership to help uplift mental wellbeing of children and youth in the North, Sri Lanka through the Every Mind Matters initiative. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Gazette notification to specify vehicles permitted for import

A gazette notification will be issued specifying the types of vehicles permitted for import under the first category, effective from today.

Rice stocks arrive

Imported rice stocks were seen being unloaded at markets in Pettah. Following government approval, importers have been permitted to bring in rice stocks until December 20. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

SLPA 69th anniversary held

Leopard killed and head taken away

A hill country leopard, frequently seen in the shrub jungle adjacent to Fordyce Estate in Hatton, was killed, and its head and limbs were cut off and taken away.

Mihintale Chief Incumbent acquitted

Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Rajamaha Vihara, Ven. Walawahengunawewe Dhammarathana Thera, who was charged with the alleged assault of a tour guide within the temple’s central compound, causing injuries, was acquitted by Anuradhapura Additional Magistrate Ms. P.H.W.D.L. Samarasinghe.

Delhi pollution: Cold air and toxic haze affect millions

Delhi’s pollution has once again soared to hazardous levels, with a top expert warning that India’s toxic air will have a bigger impact on public health than the Covid-19 pandemic.

Heart disease age in Sri Lanka drops to 17: Specialist

The age of those suffering from heart disease in Sri Lanka is gradually decreasing and the age limit has now reached 17, National Hospital specialist Indika de Lanerolle said today.

Did Minister Samarasinghe accept Namal’s challenge to step down?

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa today (18) challenged Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe to step down from his ministerial portfolio if ’’he (Wasantha) fails to prove that I (Namal) took the law exam alone in an A/C room,’’

I am a degree holder, says Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa claimed today that he is a degree holder and tabled all his certificates in Parliament.

Belgium-based NGO claims Israel soldier ’terminator’ in Sri Lanka

Belgium-based NGO Hind Rajab Foundation has accused that Gal Ferenbook, an Israeli soldier allegedly responsible for the death of a Palestinian civilian and the degrading treatment of the body, is now in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Keheliya Rambukwella’s two bank accounts with Rs. 20 million suspended

A current account and a fixed deposit account belonging to former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, with a combined balance of approximately Rs. 20 million, have been suspended by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Personal motor vehicle imports from February next year

Import of motor vehicles for personal use will be allowed from February 1, 2025, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

IMF agrees to raise income tax threshold: President

The government was able to reach an agreement with the IMF at the third review to raise the income tax threshold from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 150,000 per month, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Most polluted locations in Colombo identified

Six locations in Colombo have been identified as highly polluted, according to the real-time Air Quality Index (AQI).

India spinner Ashwin retires from international cricket

India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his immediate retirement from international cricket following the third Test against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday.