Udarata Menike derailed delaying trains on main-line

The Railways Department announced that train operations on the main line will be delayed due to the derailment of the Udarata Menike express train near the Ragama railway station.

Even our leader should not get misled by con men: Chaminda Wijesiri

Even Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa should not get misled by those who join the party for their benefits, former SJB MP Chaminda Wijesiri said today.

Iranian Foreign Minister to visit Sri Lanka tomorrow

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hossein Amir Abdollahian will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from tomorrow (19) to February 21, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Kala Pola in Colombo...

The Kala Pola, Sri Lanka’s annual open-air art fair opened its doors for the 31st time for visitors in Colombo yesterday. Presented by The George Keyt Foundation in association with the John Keells Group. This art fair has become a major cultural and tourist attraction in Colombo’s annual cultural calendar. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja.

Vehicles seized during “ Yukthiya” raids released on court order

A fleet of vehicles valued more than Rs.100 million allegedly owned by Malalage Sudath Kithsiri alias “ Welivita Sudda” , a suspect for involvement in underworld activities, and seized and retained for about two months by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division of the CID during “ Yukthiya” operations are to be released to the owner on court order.

Sri Lanka fall behind in blacklisting corrupt contractors: Verité Research

Sri Lanka has the worst record among South Asian countries in blacklisting corrupt contractors in public procurement, according to a new report by Verité Research.

Four including gunman in Meegoda Economic Centre shooting, arrested

The main suspect and three others involved in the shooting and robbery at the Meegoda Economic Centre last week have been arrested.

Tickets for 2nd, 3rd T20I matches in Dambulla sold out

Tickets for the 2nd and 3rd T20I matches between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan scheduled for tomorrow (February 19) and February 21 at the RDICS, Dambulla have been sold out, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said.

Police bust drug ring linked to ’Santa’, two women arrested

The Piliyandala Police arrested two young women linked to large-scale drug trafficker Sithum, also known as ’Santa,’ believed to be in hiding in France.

Nearly 800 traffic offenders identified through CCTVs in Colombo

A total of 793 motorists who violated traffic rules have been identified through the CCTV system in Colombo.

Former Kotikawatta PS member arrested in raid linked to Shiran Bhasik

The Police Special Task Force arrested a former member of the Kotikawatta Pradeshiya Sabha, known to be closely associated with notorious drug dealer Shiran Bhasik, at a luxury housing complex in Wellawatta.

Former Thai prime minister released on parole

Thailand’s convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has arrived at his mansion in the capital Bangkok after being released on parole.

Teachers to launch protest in Kandy

A trade union action is set to be launched from Kandy on Tuesday (20) by the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU), demanding the government to fulfill its promise of granting the remaining salary increment.

Establishing police post in NHC a deadly attack to minor staffers: Dr. Bellana

Due to his involvement in the hospital administration, almost 200 minor workers in hospitals were unable to continue their drug businesses at the National Hospital in Colombo (NHC) and started protesting against him, said NHC Deputy Director and Government Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF) president Dr. Rukshan Bellana.

Sri Lanka win by 4 runs against Afghanistan in nail-biting T20 opener

The first T20 match of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan ended in a nail-biting finish, with Sri Lanka winning the match by 4 runs in Dambulla today.

Sri Lanka sets 161-run target for Afghanistan in first T20I

In the inaugural T20I match at Dambulla today, Sri Lanka posted a challenging total of 160 runs for Afghanistan to chase down.

Prison hospital congestion reaches critical levels

It has been revealed that the current capacity at the prison hospital has reached unprecedented levels, raising grave concerns among authorities.

Meeting tourists...

President Ranil Wickremesinghe embarked on an observation tour in the Tangalle and Galle areas today, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing tourist facilities. The President visited tourist hotspots such as Seenimodara, Dikwella, Nilwella, Hiriketiya, Weligama, and Habaraduwa, as well as the Weligama Surf School along the south coast, where he assessed their activities firsthand.

Former Navy Commander Basil Goonesekara passes away

The seventh (07th) Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Admiral Basil Goonesekara passed away today.

Britain’s oldest warship named HMS Trincomalee

The HMS Trincomalee which was constructed in 1817 in Mumbai stands as the Royal Navy’s last ship built in India, boasting over two centuries of history.

Students hospitalized after suspected drug ingestion, one in critical condition

The Maduragoda Police have initiated an inquiry into an incident where four primary school students from the Ibbagamuwa region fell unconscious, suggesting a possible connection to the consumption of an unidentified type of pill.

Airports facilitated 846,173 international passenger movements in January 2024: AASL

While indicating a potential growth in tourist arrivals, the country’s airports managed to accommodate a total of 846,173 passengers in 2024, with 207,182 being tourists, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) said.

Policy framework sent to Parliament for transformational change in education sector: Minister

A policy framework has been sent to Parliament for a transformational change in the education sector in the country, which has been discussed for many years, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

Russian tourist fined Rs. 1.78Mn for damaging train in railway crossing mishap

A Russian tourist who haphazardly entered his motorcar into the railway level crossing regardless of the approaching train was ordered yesterday by Galle Additional Magistrate Lakmini Vidanagamage to pay Rs. 1.78 million to the Railways Department to compensate for damages to the train and a fine of Rs. 56,000 for the traffic offence.

Gamini Jayawickrama Perera passes away

Former Minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera has passed away this morning at the age of 83.

Income of the Dehiwala Zoo on the rise

The income of the Dehiwala Zoo has been on the increase, and it has received an income of Rs. 52 million for the first 40 days of the year from 16,000 visitors.

Scores of SJBers from provincial and local level to join UNP: Range Bandara

Scores of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) members from both the provincial and local government levels are to join UNP shortly, UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara said yesterday.

CBK stirs the pot for executive presidency abolition, faces uphill task

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga is reportedly behind the latest move to initiate action for the abolition of the executive presidency ahead of the Presidential Election, but it is unlikely to succeed given the inability to secure a two-thirds majority from the current Parliament for such an exercise, Daily Mirror learns.

Lower vegetable prices recorded

The new Manning Market in Peliyagoda today recorded a low price for vegetables compared to the prices during the week.

US Under Secretary Elizabeth Allen travels to Jordan, Sri Lanka, India

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Liz Allen is on travel to Jordan, Sri Lanka and India from February 12 to 22.