Social media activist Piyath Nikeshala arrested by CID

Social media activist Piyath Nikeshala has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department, police said.

Afghanistan name four uncapped players in squad for Sri Lanka

Senior Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan will miss the one-off Test match against Sri Lanka as he continues to recover from a back surgery. Qais Ahmed, whose only Test came five years ago, has been named in the squad in place of Rashid.

Ten President’s Counsels take silk

Ten senior attorneys took their oaths as President’s Counsel (PC) at a ceremonial sitting of the Supreme Court.

Resolve state workers' salary anomalies

The Government Alliance Executive Committee today held a protest in front of the Public Administration and Management Ministry, demanding the government to resolve the state workers’ salary anomalies and remove the administration mafia of the state service. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Local, foreign government representatives meet

The Second Diplomatic Buddhist Convention of the Sri Lankan Bhikkhu Association in Europe today held a meeting of local and foreign government representatives at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The event was sponsored and hosted by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Online Safety Bill will give rise to a fully local social media platform: Hirunika

The Online Safety Bill will give rise to a local social media platform to disseminate information as all foreign online service providers are likely to leave the country once the legislation comes into effect, former MP Hirunika Premachandra said.

CEB introduces new methods to pay electricity bills

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is working to introduce some new methods for consumers to pay their electricity bills, the board said while issuing a statement.

Sri Lankan fishermen captured by Somali pirates rescued

The Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) had rescued six Sri Lankan fishermen who were captured by Somali pirates, along with their multi-day fishing trawler, Navy spokesman Captain Gayan Wickramasinghe said today.

Maldives’ main Opposition to file impeachment motion against President Muizzu

The main opposition party of Maldives, Maldivian Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the Parliament, is set to file an impeachment motion against President Mohamed Muizzu, local media reported on Monday.

Former Army Commander Daya Ratnayake joins SJB

Former Army Commander General Daya Ratnayake has joined the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and has been appointed as the party’s senior advisor on state affairs, the Opposition Leader’s office said.

Easter Sunday bombers are NPP associates: Nimal Lanza

The terror group which carried out the Easter Sunday bomb attacks are associates of the National People’s Power (NPP) and had actually funded the Marxists, MP Nimal Lanza said over the weekend.

Will defy all laws and begin another Aragalaya tomorrow: SJB

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will not take notice of any restrictions but will take to the streets tomorrow and fire the first shot towards overthrowing the present government, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said today.

Two killed in accident at Sella Kataragama

Two young men died and four others were seriously injured in an accident at Passarayaya in Sella Kataragama when the van they were travelling in ran out of control due to excessive speed and collided againt two motorcycles and a lorry parked by the roadside and subsequently crashed on to a tree.

Abolish 'Parate Law'

A small-scale entrepreneurs’ protest was held today in the Maharagama town, demanding the government to abolish the ’Parate Law’ that leads to the auction of public property and also to reduce the electricity bills. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Thai Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka, FTA to be signed

Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin will undertake a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka from 03 to 04 February 2024 where he is scheduled to witness the signing of the Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Sri Lankan filmmaker clinches Best Director Award at Dhaka International Film Festival

Sri Lankan film director Jagath Manuwarna has clinched the esteemed ’Best Director’ award in Asian Competition Section of the 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF).

Lohan Ratwatte gets new portfolio

Lohan Ratwatte has been sworn in before President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the State Minister of Plantation Industries and Mahaweli Development at the Presidential Secretariat this morning, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Crocodile threat looms at Wellawatte beach !

Those who visit Wellawatte beach have been adviced to be vigilant after a crocodile was spotted in the sea recently.

Rajitha takes pro-government stand?

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rajitha Senaratne who seemed to have taken a pro-government stand said IMF will declare Sri Lanka as a state which had come out of bankruptcy next month.

Oman air to stop flights to Colombo

As part of its ongoing transformation, which aims to improve the company’s overall financial performance and fortify its position in an increasingly competitive market, Oman Air has announced several strategic changes to its network.

Somali Navy Chief contacts EU Navy

Somali Navy Abdi Warsame Osman has contacted the European Union Joint Operation Centre to secure the release of the Sri Lankans abducted by the Somali pirates, an official said.

Six students at Sabaragamuwa University arrested for ragging female student

Six fourth year students of the Sabaragamuwa University have been arrested for ragging a female student.

Chamara Weerasinghe discharged from hospital

Renowned vocalist Chamara Weerasinghe, who was receiving treatment at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital has recovered and been discharged from the hospital.

Politicians, media heads liable to submit asset declarations

The Bribery or Corruption Allegation Investigation Commission has issued a stern directive, setting a deadline for the submission of asset declarations from various high-profile figures, including the President, the Prime Minister, public servants, and media heads.

Final rites for late Sanath Nishantha at Rajakadalu

The remains of State Minister of Water Supply, Sanath Nishantha, who died in a car accident on the Colombo-Katunayake expressway, was cremated today (28) at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Rajakadalu. Pix by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe

ICC lifts ban on Sri Lanka with immediate effect

The International Cricket Council (ICC) lifted the ban that was imposed on Sri Lanka with immediate effect, Sports Minister Harin Fernando said.

Train compartment hired for filming derails between Hatton and Kotagala

The observation compartment of the train hired for the filming of a foreign movie derailed between Hatton and Kotagala railway stations this evening, the Railways Department said.

Rail freight rates to increase from February

A gazette notification was issued today by the Transport Ministry amending the transport charges of parcels, goods, livestock etc. via train with effect from February 1.

India-Sri Lanka passenger ferry service to begin on February 15

The passenger ferry service between India’s Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai (KKS) in Jaffna will be initiated on February 15, the Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister said.

Special police contingent deployed for Sanath Nishantha’s funeral

A special police contingent of 380 personnel has been deployed to provide ptotection during Late State Minister Sanath Nishantha Perera’s final rights.