University students protest

The University of Sri Jayawardenepura Students’ Union staged a protest this afternoon (05) in Colombo. The demonstrators later marched from Viharamahadevi Park to the University Grants Commission. The protest was held to demand the immediate withdrawal of what they described as a conspiratorial plan to suppress student unions, allegedly at the request of the Vice-Chancellor, Auditor, and Management Faculties.

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

Tourists arrive from Iceland

A group of tourists from Iceland arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning. The group includes 24 tourists who plan to stay in the country for 14 days.

ASHR awards ceremony

The Kumon Dehiwala Learning Centre held its Annual Advanced Student Honour Roll (ASHR) Awards ceremony 2023/2024 at the Bishops College Auditorium recently. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

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.

Ranil attends election rally

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe attended an election rally of the New Democratic Front (NDF) in Matara today, alongside former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and former Minister Kanchana Wijesekara. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

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.

No coalition, national Govt. after General Election: Tilvin Silva

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the core ally of the ruling National People’s Power (NPP), ruled out any coalition, or national government after the General Election.

Shakib Al Hasan reported for suspect bowling action

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been reported by the umpires due to a suspect bowling action during his one-off appearance for Surrey in this season’s County Championship.

ADB optimistic about reforms but warns of limited room to manoeuvre

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said that it remains optimistic about the continuity of the reforms in Sri Lanka but warns that there is very little room to manoeuvre as the country seeks a sustainable recovery.

Government will take legal action if rice not sold at controlled prices: President

Claiming that the government had held discussions with rice millers on the prices of rice, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that legal action will be taken against those who fail to sell rice at the controlled prices.

Health Ministry to allot few experienced F&D Inspectors: Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama

The Ministry of Health has agreed to assign a few experienced Food and Drug Inspectors to revive the operations of the now-defunct law enforcement division of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), which is responsible for all the drug raids in the country, the Daily Mirror learns.

CPC earns profit but struggles to operate independently amid foreign competition

Even though the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has started earning profits, it is unable to operate independently due to the presence of other foreign petroleum companies operating in the country, Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) Chairman D.J.A.S De S. Rajakaruna said.

Barcelona is put on flooding red alert

36 dead after overcrowded bus skids into deep gorge in northern India

A poorly maintained and overcrowded bus veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in northern India on Monday, killing at least 36 people and injuring several others, officials said.

Immigration proposes to link up with hotels to track down tourist information

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has proposed to link up with the tourist hotels in future as a practical means to track down information on foreign tourists visiting from seven countries that do not require a visa to enter or remain in Sri Lanka, the Daily Mirror learns.

No future recovery of expenses from people for illegally built filling stations

In the future, no opportunity will be provided to recover expenses from people for illegally built filling stations, Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) Chairman D.J.A.S De S. Rajakaruna said.