‘Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak festival…

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Opposition Leader Sajith Preadasa inaugurated the second day of the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak Zone, which is the National Vesak celebration organized by the Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple in Colombo. The Vesak program includes various events organized at the Presidential Secretariat premises, Shangri-La Green Ground, and Gangarama Temple on May 23, 24, 25, and 26.

SLC denies corruption allegations involving its officials in LPL

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has strongly denied the allegations by Member of Parliament Hesha Withanage during a media briefing today, accusing the SLC President, the Tournament Director of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and other SLC officials of involvement in match-fixing and corrupt conduct related to the LPL.

Dengue cases for 2024 surpass 24,000

The tally of dengue cases recorded for 2024 has topped the 24,000 mark, according to the Epidemiology Unit.

Three new Board members appointed to NMRA

Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana has appointed three new professionals to the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Board.

Over 300,000 power disruptions due to bad weather

Over 300,000 power disruption incidents were reported during the past few days with more than 30,000 occurring within a single hour on some days, the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) said.

Constitutionality of Sri Lanka Telecommunications Bill challenged in SC

A Special Determination petition was filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill which was recently placed on the Order Paper of Parliament.

National policy on planting trees soon: Pramitha Bandara

Claiming that an increase in accidents involving fallen trees by the roadsides have been observed recently, State Minister of Defense Pramitha Banadara Tennakoon said and added that a special committee will be appointed soon to draft a national policy on planting trees.

Rough seas keep fishermen ashore in Colombo

A line of fishing boats was spotted along the shore of Dikkowita Fisheries Harbor near Colombo, Sri Lanka, following authorities’ warnings to fishing communities against venturing out due to rough seas. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Iran releases first report on President Raisi’s death

The General Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces made public the first investigative report concerning the recent helicopter crash that led to the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and others.

Two Sri Lankan students in Japan accused of illegal abortion

Two Sri Lankan students in Japan were arrested over an illegal abortion, and an expert points out that international students’ unstable resident status may be a factor behind the incident.

Scientists find Earth-like planet that could be home to alien life

Scientists have found a new Earth-like planet that could support alien life – just 40 light-years away.

Wild dance of nature...

Gusty winds sweep through Colombo, bringing both chaos and joy. Amidst the flurry of leaves and scattered debris, some find exhilaration in the tempest, their faces alight with delight as they embrace the wild dance of nature. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Fishing communities cautioned over cyclonic storm

A looming cyclonic storm poses a significant threat to the South-Eastern Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal areas, prompting urgent warnings to naval and fishing communities to exercise extreme caution.

Health officials raise alarm over hygiene standards at Dansals

As relentless rainfall continues, health authorities are sounding the alarm on hygiene standards at dansals during the Vesak festival.

Over 1,280 Naval personnel discharged during general amnesty

A total of 1,289 naval personnel who were absent without leave (AWL) have been legally discharged during the General Amnesty period from April 20 to May 20, 2024.

MasterChef finalist credits Sri Lankan heritage for love of food

A veterinary surgeon whose love of cooking is inspired by his Sri Lankan heritage has been crowned the 20th winner of BBC TV’s Masterchef.

SC overturns Appeal Court order over case against Ravi Karunanayake

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has today granted special leave to appeal in a high-profile bribery case against former Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake.

New report reveals trends in social media regulation in Sri Lanka

A groundbreaking report titled ’’Social Media Regulation and Rule of Law: Key Trends in Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh’’ was recently unveiled in Colombo, offering insights into the complex interplay between social media regulation and the rule of law in these South Asian nations.

President unveils Clinical Training & Research block at Jaffna university

President Ranil Wickremesinghe officially inaugurated the long-awaited Clinical Training and Research Block at the Jaffna University Faculty of Medicine this morning.

Vesak Poya holiday empties Colombo

Most people were out of Colombo due to the long holiday for Vesak Poya, leaving many roads in the city deserted. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel.

Train services hampered on up-country line

Sri Lanka Railways announced significant delays on the up-country train line today after trees and rocks fell onto the tracks causing widespread disruption to services.

Sri Lankan envoy congratulates Chad’s new President

ri Lankan Ambassador to Kenya, Veluppillai Kananathan, attended the investiture ceremony of Chad’s newly elected President, Mahamat Idriss Déby. The ceremony, held in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital.

Czech president injured while racing motorcycle

Czech President Petr Pavel has been taken to hospital after injuring himself while riding a motorcycle, his office has said.

Huge landslide strikes remote village in Papua New Guinea, with 100 people feared dead

A huge landslide has struck a remote village in Papua New Guinea, with bodies being recovered by villagers.

95% candidates pass 2023 Korean exam

A total of 95 percent of the candidates have passed the 2023 Korean Language Proficiency examination, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employement (SLBFE) said.

Showery, windy conditions expected to continue today as well

Due to the South West Monsoon condition, the prevailing showery and windy conditions are expected to continue, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Mendis and Fernando join T20 World Cup squad in USA after visa delay

Sri Lanka’s top-order batsman and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, along with fast bowler Asitha Fernando, have joined the national T20 World Cup team in the USA after a delay in receiving their visas, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Selection Committee Chairman Upul Tharanga told the Daily Mirror.

Selfie before suicide with gun on forehead

The body of an individual who had died of gunshot injuries was recovered from a house at Meetiyagoda in Thelwatta last morning. Judging from a selfie taken by him with the gun placed on his forehead, the police suspect it to be a case of suicide.

Sri Lanka TID detains suspect tied to Ahmedabad ISIS arrests

A day after four ISIS terrorists were arrested in Ahmedabad, India, Sri Lanka’s Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) arrested a suspect in Colombo connected to those arrested in India,.

Snap general election to follow presidential election immediately

A snap general election will follow immediately after the presidential elections to be concluded in October, this year, the Daily Mirror learns.