Annual Vas ceremony at IIT

Buddhist monks walking with lanterns in hand as they make their way to the main hall for the Dhamma sermon during the Annual Vas ceremony held recently at the International Institute of Theravada (IIT) in Karuwalagaswewa, Anamaduwa. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Immigration Dept. commences issuing newly imported ‘P’ series passports today

The Department of Immigration and Emigration commenced issuing the newly imported ‘P’ series passports today packed with novel security features and refined look.

SL a signatory to Joint Letter supporting UN Secretary-General, Foreign Ministry says

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs quashed media reports that Sri Lanka had not signed a joint letter supporting the UN Secretary General, in response to the recent declaration by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel desingating the UN Secretary General as ’’persona non grata’’.

Will withdraw from politics if vehicle allegations are proven: Rohitha Abeygunawardena

Former parliamentarian Rohitha Abeygunawardena said today that if the allegations regarding the vehicles seized by the Kandy Division Criminal Investigation Bureau are proven, he will withdraw from politics and resign from his candidacy at the upcoming general elections.

Low-pressure water supply in Western Province tomorrow

The water supply in several areas of the Western Province will be at low pressure tomorrow due to a sudden breakdown in the transmission pipeline to the Churchill Reservoir, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced.

Post-mortem reveals cause of death in triple murder case

The post-mortem examinations of the three bodies found in a two-storied house in Sinhapura, Chilaw has revealed that it was a case of double murder followed by suicide.

Damitha leaves SJB, joins DNA

Actress turned political activist Damitha Abeyratne announced that she had resigned from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), joining the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) which is contesting the upcoming general election under the post box symbol.

Madushka pushing for permanent ODI spot

Sri Lanka may have found their solution for long-term struggles at the top of the order with the rise of Nishan Madushka, who has been with the Test Squad for a long time.

FR petition filed challenging General Elections scheduled for November 14

A civil society activist has filed a Fundamental Rights petition before the Supreme Court, challenging the Election Commission’s decision to hold the Parliamentary Elections on November 14.

D.V. Chanaka claims President’s rally ruined Tangalle grounds

Former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP D.V. Chanaka claimed that the Tangalle Municipal Ground has been ruined by the first election rally of President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka.

Sri Lankan racer Yevan David wins on Euroformula debut at damp Monza

Motopark’s Yevan David won on his Euroformula debut at a damp Monza.

Veterinary health certificate a must when transporting pigs

The Department of Animal Production and Health has decided to make the veterinary health certificate mandatory when transporting pigs.

12 school transport buses, vans deemed unfit removed from service

A total of 12 buses and vans used for transporting school children, which were deemed unfit for service, were removed from operation this morning. The decision was made by Nuwara Eliya District Chief Vehicle Inspector, Daminda Dissanayaka.

King Charles heckled by Australian senator shouting ‘you are not my king’

King Charles‘s landmark address to Australia’s Parliament House on Monday was disrupted by a protesting Indigenous senator shouting “you are not my king” and accusing him of “committ[ing] genocide against our people

Ravi Seneviratne should be removed, says Gammanpila

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader, former MP Udaya Gammanpila has called for the immediate removal of Ravi Seneviratne from the post as the Public Security Ministry Secretary, as he has been named as a main accused in the Easter Sunday bomb attacks investigations by a Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) report.

Protect elephants' right to life, freedom

The All Animal and Transhumance Organization held a protest at the Technical Junction, urging the government to protect elephants’ right to life and freedom, as they are dying prematurely due to train accidents and human activities. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Technical malfunction causes delays between Fort, Maradana

Sri Lanka Railways reported delays affecting train services between Colombo-Fort and Maradana due to a technical malfunction at the Fort Railway Station.

Reports not secret; those who question probe reports out to hide perpetrators

Claiming that those who were in a state of coma for the last five years about the Easter Sunday attacks had now started to question the reports of the Presidential Commission, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today those reports were not secret reports and that some people were perturbed after the government initiated a proper investigation into the Easter attacks.

Indonesia leader sworn in with largest cabinet in decades

Former military general Prabowo Subianto has been sworn in as Indonesia’s president, as he announced the country’s largest cabinet since the 1960s.

Radhika to Coach Zahira

Former Dharmaraja, Kandy SC, CH & FC, CR & FC, Up Country and national sevens and fifteens player, former Army SC and Nepal Men’s and Women’s Head Coach, and Royal’s Backs and Assistant Coach, Radhika Hettiarachchi, signed with Zahira College for the 2025 rugby season, which will come into effect from 1 November 2024.

Gammanpila vows to publicize reports today unless Prez...

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader former MP Udaya Gammanpila vowed to publicize the two reports on the Easter Sunday bomb attacks today unless President Anura Kumara Dissanayake does it.

Call to withdraw FR cases against officers tackling underworld

Following a request from security chiefs for the removal of Fundamental Rights cases and arrest orders against officers tackling the rising underworld, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the Attorney General to immediately intervene to address these allegations against such members of the law enforcement authorities.

RW not aware of the facilities requested by his security unit

In response to a remark made by incumbent President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe has asked for extensive privileges, Advisor to the former President Sagala Ratnayake yesterday said it is the security unit of Mr. Wickremesinghe which has asked for privileges.

Govt. yet to decide as it awaits committee recommendations

The government is yet to take a decision on the curtailment of perks and benefits of former presidents and their widows since it awaits the recommendations of the committee that has been appointed to look into it, a top source said.

Tensions in Middle East likely to pose risks to economy and fiscal operations: Finance Ministry

The Ministry of Finance outlined that recent tensions in the Middle East are likely to pose risks to the Sri Lankan economy and fiscal operations.

SL surpasses IMF annual primary surplus target

Sri Lanka has exceeded IMF’s annual primary surplus target with the primary surplus reaching estimated 2.1 percent of GDP during the first eight months of the year.

Sri Lanka take series lead against West Indies with comfortable win

Half centuries from captain Charith Asalanka and debutant Nishan Madushka helped Sri Lanka chase down a revised target to win the rain-affected first ODI against West Indies by five wickets in Pallekele.

New Zealand trump South Africa for first Women’s T20 World Cup title

An outstanding all-round performance by Amelia Kerr led New Zealand to their first ever Women’s T20 World Cup title as they beat South Africa by a commanding 32 runs in Sunday’s final in Dubai.

Police seize luxury vehicles from house of former Minister’s son-in-law

The Kandy Division Criminal Investigation Bureau has confiscated a BMW and a Pajero jeep, valued at approximately Rs. 60 million, from the residence of former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena’s son-in-law in Aniwatta, Kandy.

Additional allowance for school children through next budget: President

The government is expecting to increase salaries of public servants, provide an additional allowance for school children and increase the allowance for low income families through the budget for 2025 which is to be presented before March next year, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.