Trump ordered to pay $355 million in NY civil fraud trial ruling

A New York judge on Friday handed Donald J. Trump a crushing defeat in his civil fraud case, finding the former president liable for conspiring to manipulate his net worth and ordering him to pay a penalty of nearly $355 million plus interest that could wipe out his entire stockpile of cash.

470 wild elephant deaths reported in 2023

The death toll of wild elephants has increased in a large proportion, much to the anxiety of the wildlife conservators. Director of Wildlife Conservation Department (Protected Area Management) Manjula Amararathe said the death of 470 wild elephants had been reported for 2023 and that 200 of them, including tuskers, had died due to human activities.

President assures support for Israeli security

In what appeared to be a balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestine conflict, President Ranil Wickremesinghe reiterated support for the establishment of a Palestinian state and emphasised the significance of ensuring Israel’s security, fostering a balanced approach to regional peace.

Sri Lanka busts oil spill using satellite surveillance for first time

Following the initiative with the French government to detect oil spills in Sri Lankan waters using satellite surveillance, Sri Lanka has detected the first such incident and fined Rs.15 million to the responsible company, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) said.

Sri Lanka unchanged for Afghan T20I opener

Riding a wave of confidence after their convincing One Day International (ODI) series win in Kandy, Sri Lanka gears up to face Afghanistan in a three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series starting at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium today.

'Pansale Dansala'

The Dansala program, initiated by Naga Vihara Kotte under the theme ’Pansale Dansala,’ amid the COVID-19 pandemic, perseveres to this day, taking place every Friday. Individuals are observed receiving sustenance at the Dansala, a testament to the ongoing dedication to serving the community during these challenging times. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Police release photos of three Beliatta shooting suspects

Police today released photographs of three suspects wanted over the shooting in Beliatta, where five persons were killed on January 22.

27 students injured after being attacked by wasps in Mawanella

Thirty individuals, including 27 students attending an extracurricular boxing class in Mawanella, were attacked by wasps, a senior official at the Hospital said.

Quetta Gladiators await NOC for Hasaranga for PSL 9

Quetta Gladiators issued an update regarding the status of their foreign players ahead of the ninth season of the PSL

Two Iranian Navy ships in Colombo

The Iranian Navy Ship (IRINS) Bushehr and Tonb arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit this morning.

Tension flares at National Hospital...

Tensions escalated outside the National Hospital in Colombo today as minor staff staged a demonstration targeting Deputy Director Dr. Rukshan Bellana. Authorities also deployed an anti-riot squad to bolster security in the hospital premises. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Carpenter’s widow demands Rs. 200 million from police

The widow of the carpenter who died in the Narammala police shooting incident today filed a Fundamental Rights petition before the Supreme Court seeking a compensation of Rs. 200 million from the police officers including Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.

Russian opposition leader Navalny dies in prison

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on Friday after collapsing and losing consciousness at the penal colony north of the Arctic Circle where he was serving a long jail term, the Russian prison service said.

Direct flights between Sri Lanka and Israel from March

Agreements have been signed to initiate direct flights between Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Tel Aviv in Israel, the Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry said.

No one is talking today of restoring my civic rights: Ranjan

No one is talking today of restoring my lost civic rights, former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ranjan Ramanayake said today.

Three arrested for gang raping child in Meegoda

Three individuals including a 61-year-old mason were arrested for gang raping a 12-year-old girl in Meegoda, Police said.

Dr. Bellana taken hostage by minor staff workers

The minor staff workers of the Naional Hospital in Colombo are currently holding its Deputy Director, Dr. Rukshan Bellana, hostage in his office, hospital sources said.

A 16-hour water cut in Colombo

Colombo residents are set to experience a 16-hour water cut today as the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced that water supply to several areas in the city will be suspended.

Lanka Premier League 2024 set for July

The 5th edition of the Lanka Premier League 2024 will be held from July 1st to 21st this year, the Sri Lanka Cricket said.

Young woman falls into Upper Kotmale reservoir

A young woman who fell into the Upper Kotmale reservoir in Thalawakele, was rescued by the police with the help of the residents of the area.

Wedding Show 2024 at BMICH

’Wedding Show 2024’, the most prestigious and exclusive wedding exhibition of the year, was launched at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) today. The exhibition will continue till Sunday (18). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

FR application by retired HC judge against PCoI fixed for argument

A fundamental rights application filed by retired High Court Judge Padmini Ranawaka challenging the findings of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry relating to the controversial telephone conversations with former Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake has been fixed for further argument by the Supreme Court on February 26.

Body of missing girl found half naked in Talaimannar

The Talaimannat Police have launched an investigation after the body of a 10-year-old girl, who had been reported missing, was found half naked.

Greece legalises same-sex marriage

Greece has become the first Christian Orthodox-majority country to legalise same-sex marriage.

India’s Congress claims its bank accounts frozen on “flimsy grounds”

The Congress party on Friday alleged that four of its main bank accounts have been frozen by the Income Tax department on “flimsy grounds”.

Israeli Minister meets President; discusses hostages, Gaza conflict

Israel’s Minister of Transport and Road Safety Brig. Gen. Miri Regev met President Ranil Wickremesinghe and discussed matters concerning the safe return of Israeli hostages.

Forensic audit reveals frauds at Ceylon Petroleum Corporation

KPMG’s forensic audit into discrepancies at Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals (CPSTL) has revealed substantial losses attributed to alterations and deletions in SAP data related to stock holdings.

Current economic stability due to non-payment of external debt: Bandula

The government has been able to ensure continuous supply of gas, fuel and other necessities right now as Sri Lanka had suspended repaying external debt, Minister Bandula Gunawardena said yesterday.

Rubber tappers awarded with NVQ-3

A total of 169 rubber harvesting assistants were awarded the NVQ-3 certificates for the first time in Sri Lanka at the Agalawatta Rubber Research Institute after two weeks of intensive training.

Money allocated for Oxygen used to buy substandard drugs

Rs. 14.5 million was given to the supplier to purchase substandard human immunoglobulin injections, which was intended to be used for purchasing oxygen, Deputy Solicitor General Mrs. Lakmini Girihagama informed Maligaknada Magistrate Mrs. Lochani Abeywickrama.