If information on threats was received on October 7 why was action not taken, asks Kanchana

Former Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara asked why the government did not take action to beef up security for foreign tourists in advance if it had received information on a possible threat on October 7, according to the statement made by Acting Chief of Police.

Flood warning issued for Nilwala river basin

The Irrigation Department has issued a flood warning for several low-lying areas of the Nilwala Ganga river basin, effective till October 26.

Twelfth monkey dies in HK zoo amid bacterial outbreak

A twelfth monkey died at a Hong Kong zoo, with tests underway to determine if it succumbed to the same bacterial infection that killed 11 other monkeys in the past 10 days.

Tarzan star Ron Ely dies aged 86

US actor Ron Ely, best known for playing the role of Tarzan in the 1960s television show of the same name, has died aged 86.

Namal arrives at CID

Former MP Namal Rajapaksa arrived at the CID to give a statement this morning.

Chief Inspector of Police arrested over bribe

A Chief Inspector of Police attached to the Gampola HQI office was arrested by the officers of the Bribery Commission on charges of accepting Rs.20,000 as a bribe.

Asalanka stars as Sri Lanka defeat West Indies in second ODI, clinch series

Skipper Charith Asalanka struck an unbeaten half-century as Sri Lanka defeated the West Indies by five wickets in the second one-day international on Wednesday to clinch the three-match series.

At least five dead in attack at Turkish aviation company

At least five people have been killed and 22 injured in an attack at the headquarters of an aviation company near the Turkish capital Ankara, authorities have confirmed.

Two suspects arrested over potential attack in Arugam Bay

Two suspects allegedly connected to the planning of an attack in the Arugam Bay area have been arrested, police said.

Zimbabwe smash T20I record with 344-4 against Gambia

Zimbabwe set a new record score for T20 international cricket when they posted a massive 344-4 against Gambia at the Ruaraka Sports Club Ground in Nairobi on Wednesday, with Sikandar Raza hammering a 43-ball 133 not out.

Dozens of US lawmakers call for release of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Over 60 Democratic lawmakers from the U.S. House of Representatives wrote, opens new tab to President Joe Biden on Wednesday, urging him to use Washington’s leverage with Pakistan to secure the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Heavy showers over 50 mm likely in several provinces

Heavy showers exceeding 50 mm are likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-Western, and Northern Provinces, according to the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre.

Growing Israeli presence puts SL in a spot

Growing Israeli presence in the Southern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka has put Sri Lanka in a spotlight with local intelligence agencies being informed of a possible threat from Islamic extremists several weeks ago, senior defense sources told the Daily Mirror yesterday.

Indian Intelligence alerts Sri Lanka on potential attack in Arugam Bay

Sri Lankan security forces have been alerted to a potential attack on Israelis in the Arugam Bay area by Indian intelligence agencies.

Navy nabs 2 for illegal night diving in eastern seas

The Navy apprehended two individuals engaged in illegal night diving in the sea off Sallikovil, Trincomalee, during a search operation on October 21.

Tourism industry on edge as travel advisories mount

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is bracing for challenges, following a series of travel advisories issued by several key markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia and New Zealand.

Eastern Container Terminal Project given ‘special project’ status

The government announced efforts to accelerate the development of the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) at the Port of Colombo, a highly anticipated initiative managed by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).

Visa issues, election concerns cut SL’s 2024 tourist arrival target

Sri Lanka is expected to attract around two million tourists this year, falling short of its initial target of 2.3 million by 11.6 percent, according to a report by Softlogic Stockbrokers (SSB).

Government should reappoint a National Security Advisor: Sagala

A National Security Advisor should be reappointed to the country to prevent potential threats from terrorist groups, former Presidential advisor Sagala Rathnayaka said.

Will change any law hindering equal application to all communities: President

The government is committed to build a country with a law which is applied to all Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims equally, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Security tightened at Arugam Bay

Security of all foreigners ensured; no threat of attack on locals: Police

Security has been beefed up in special areas on suspicion that foreign groups in Sri Lanka could face an attack following intelligence reports on potential threats to Sri Lanka from terrorist groups by October, after the escalation of the war situation in the Middle East, Acting IGP Priyantha Wijesuriya said today.

Johnston arrested...

Former Minister Johnston Fernando arrested today by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) after he was produced in the Fort Magistrate. He arrived at the CID last morning to provide a statement regarding a BMW allegedly owned by him, which was found unregistered and parked at a star-class hotel in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

More countries issue travel advisories

Several countries have issued travel advisories for their citizens travelling to Sri Lanka, urging a high degree of caution.

Sri Lanka Tourism invites global travellers for upcoming season

Sri Lanka Tourism warmly invites travellers from around the world to visit the island during the upcoming tourist season.

Israel calls on its citizens to leave some tourist areas in Sri Lanka

Israel’s national security council on Wednesday called on Israelis to immediately leave some tourist areas in Sri Lanka over the threat of a possible terrorist attack.

What is needed is a strong govt, not an opposition, fill Parliament with NPPers - Prez

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his recent electoral meeting in Katunayake, said the need of the hour is a strong, powerful government but not an opposition and therefore urged people to take steps to fill Parliament with his NPP (National People’s Power) representatives at the November 14 General Election.

Russian embassy urges citizens to stay vigilant in Arugam Bay

The Russian Embassy has urged its citizens to remain vigilant and avoid large crowds in response to potential threats against foreign tourists in Arugam Bay.

No dearth of tourists…

Ranil demands immediate implementation of salary raise for public workers

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the legal Cabinet decision taken by him as Finance Minister to increase the salaries of public servants should be implemented immediately.