Liquor bottles seized with forged security stickers in North, East After deal went sour between Excise and liquor manufacturers: Harsha

The series of raids made in the North and East over the weekend to seize a large stock of liquor bottles with forged security stickers was over a deal that went sour between the Excise and liquor manufacturers, Opposition MP Harsha de Silva said.

IGP holds critical meetings with senior officers in South amidst surge in shootings

In the wake of a surge in shootings within the Southern Province recently, IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon convened a critical meeting with senior police officers yesterday to address the escalating violence that has resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. Police said the IGP met senior officers of Galle and Elpitiya Police Divisions yesterday. Recent incidents include the tragic shooting of a public health inspector in the Elpitiya police are

Chinese mother abandons child with Sri Lankan nanny and flees

A Chinese woman who attempted to leave her daughter with a Sri Lankan nanny and flee the country was arrested at the Katunayake International Airport by the airport police on Tuesday night (12) when she was about to board a plane. Investigations revealed that the 35 year old Chinese woman had been living with her mother and two daughters in a rented house in Dubai and earned her living as a dancer in night clubs. The Sri Lankan nanny emplo

15th Annual Research Symposium - Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University

The Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (RUSL) held its 15th Annual Research Symposium throughout the day on Thursday, February 08, 2024 at its faculty premises at Puliyankulama, Anuradhapura. The theme for this year’s symposium was ‘Towards Food Sovereignty Through Sustainable Agriculture’. This occasion was graced by the presence of Prof. (Ms.) G.A.S. Ginigaddara, Vice Chancellor of RUSL as the chief guest; Prof. G.V.

Local universities foster entrepreneurship in industry sector

The Ministry of Industries has launched an initiative to cultivate entrepreneurship among university students focusing on the country’s industrial landscape and to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands. On a directive of Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana spearheaded by Chairman of the Industrial Development Board Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma, the project aims to drive sustainable growth and prosperity within the countr

Tourists doing business Sri Lanka To Get Tough

The government will soon strengthen its laws to prevent foreign nationals from operating businesses in the country while they are under tourist visas and have already begun conducting raids in the south, the Daily Mirror learns. Earlier this month, the Daily Mirror exclusively reported that several foreign nationals including Russians, Ukrainians and Israelis who were in Sri Lanka under tourist visas were operating businesses in tourist hotspot

More schools to teach in English medium

The cabinet subcommittee appointed to draw up a national policy framework for education has decided to increase the number of schools which teaches children in the English medium. The decision was made by the committee which met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the chair on Monday.

New British envoy visits Gangaramaya Temple

Newly appointed British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick visited the Gangaramaya Temple yesterday (12) to invoke blessings on his new appointment. During the visit, Deputy Incumbent of the temple Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera presented the High Commissioner with the book “Twentieth Century Impressions of Ceylon” published by the Gangaramaya Temple.

NPP warns foreign countries against purchasing state property

While urging the government to stop selling state property with a national election within sight, the National People’s Power (NPP) yesterday warned any interested parties to reconsider before purchasing state property as a future NPP government would have to take decisions against such deals.

GMOA raises concerns over establishment of medical faculty at NSBM

On the heels of the cabinet nod to establish a medical faculty at the National School of Business Management (NSBM), the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has expressed reservations, questioning the necessity of the move as it appears unrealistic. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, GMOA Media Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe emphasized the importance of conducting a proper feasibility study before making a final decision.

AG will not defend cops involved in Narammala police shooting incident

The Attorney General’s Department yesterday informed Supreme Court that the Attorney General would not appear on behalf of the respondent police officers who were involved in the Narammala police shooting. Senior State Counsel Shaminda Wickrema appearing for the Attorney General made these remarks when the fundamental rights petition filed by the widow of the carpenter who died in Narammala police gunfire was called before the Supreme Court thr

Shooting incidents claim over 20 lives in first two and a half months

In the first two and a half months of 2024, Sri Lanka has seen a troubling surge in shooting incidents with 30 reported cases resulting in 21 fatalities and 14 injuries. Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that organized crime gangs were responsible for 17 of these shooting incidents while personal disputes accounted for the remaining 13 incidents. The most recent tragedies unfolded in the Southern Province on Monday night where two sepa

SJB to seek a nutrition package from IMF next week: Sajith

Whilst revealing that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will meet IMF officials next week, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa yesterday said his party will request for IMF assistance for a nutrition package for women and school children. Premadasa who was speaking during a ceremony held at Malwana MV in Dompe said his party would focus on seeking assistance from IMF to get rid of malnutrition of Sri Lankan women and children. “A census con

Pets at risk: Heatstroke threatens pets in soaring temperatures

Following the current high temperature, pets, especially dogs and cats, face significant health risks from heatstroke as they primarily dissipate heat through panting, with limited sweating through paw pads and the nose, unlike humans, City Pet Animal Hospital Managing Director Dr. Sugath Premachandra said. He said pet animals regulate their body temperature by panting. When the panting is not sufficient to get their temperature down, they c

Immigration nabs 21 Indian nationals operating in online marketing centre

The Department of Immigration and Emigration took 21 young Indian nationals into custody yesterday for operating at an online marketing centre in Negombo by violating their tourist visa conditions. The department’s investigation division officials following a preliminary inquiry had raided a rented house in Negombo, which had been converted into an office space with computers and other devices installed.

Sniffer dog sniffs out burglary suspect for Rangala Police

In a gripping turn of events, the Rangala Police in Kandy deployed a sniffer dog to track down a suspect involved in a burglary case. Remarkably, the canine led the officers to the suspect’s hiding spot in the home of the complainant’s sister, situat

Air rifles issued to farmers to prevent crop damage by animals

Currently 30–40 per cent of crops are being damaged

Groundbreaking Surgery: Spinal Endoscopy without anaesthesia shines in Sri Lanka

Surgery carried out successfully on a 72-year-old woman

Harak Kata remanded till April 26

Notorious Criminal figure Nadun Chinthaka alias “Harak Kata’’ and another Police Constable who allegedly aided and abetted “Harak Kata’’ to escape from the CID custody on September 10, 2023 were remanded till April 26 by Colombo High C

President discusses IMF proposals with political parties sans SJB, NPP

Secretary to the Treasury provided insights into ongoing negotiations with creditors, aiming to complete the process by end June

Sri Lanka rejects global report on child malnutrition

Study says 410,000 girls are malnourished

Writ petitions against divestiture process of Lanka Hospital and SLT withdrawn

Two writ petitions filed against the divestiture process of the Lanka Hospital Corporation PLC and Sri Lanka Telecom PLC were yest

Faulty auspicious times for Sinhala New Year rituals sparks controversy

The National Committee of Astrologers has raised objections to the auspicious timing designated for performing Sinhala New Year rituals, alleging inaccuracies in the schedule. The committee took their concerns to the esteemed Anunayakas of the Malw

Excise seize liquor bottles with forged security stickers In multiple North–East raids

Wine stores and bars selling liquor with forged stickers targeted during the raids

Govt’s push for electoral change raises eyebrows

Ahead of the pending national elections, the government has made fresh attempts to bring about changes to the parliamentary election system by seeking to amend the Parliamentary Elections Act, a Minister said. Justice Minister Wijeyadasa

New building for Al Hameed Hussaine College

Light for Life Director, Hameed AL Hussaine College Old Boys’ Association member and Group of 97, Oxford Group of companies Director Al Hifaz Farook laid the foundation stone of building 15 classrooms, a four-storey building and a dormitory of Hameed Al Hussaine College Colombo 12 at his own expense.

Heritage Kites Sri Lanka soar high at Telangana Int’l Kite Festival 2024

Heritage Kites Sri Lanka in a vibrant display of colour, skill and tradition marked their presence at the Telangana Kite Festival 2024, a spectacular event organized by Telangana Tourism and the Telangana Government in India. This marked their fourth consecutive participation in the festival, which was held at the Parade Ground in Hyderabad from January 13 - 15, hosting around 40 international professional kite flyers from around 15 different cou

STF seize Rs.1.1Mn worth counterfeit fags

A large stock of counterfeit cigarettes worth over Rs.1.1 million, which is suspected to have been smuggled into the country through sea routes, was seized by the Police Special Task Force (STF) from Ampara bus stand yesterday. The STF on a tip off searched the vendors and kiosks at Ampara bus stand and found 115 cartons of the foreign brand of cigarettes ‘Business Royal’, of which the sale and consumption is prohibited in Sri Lanka. Accordi

50% of girls, women do not include sanitary napkins in their expenses: Advocata Institute

Due to the affordability of sanitary napkins, half the number of girls and women in Sri Lanka do not include sanitary napkins in their household expenditures, the Advocata Institute said. They said the affordability of sanitary napkins and its significant impact on the welfare of girls and women in Sri Lanka has become more pronounced in recent years. This is particularly evident due to the decline in their purchasing powers stemming from the

SLPP expresses concerns over President’s direct dealing with individual MPs

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is reported to have reiterated its concerns with President Ranil Wickremesinghe over his direct dealings with individuals of the party bypassing its hierarchy. It was communicated to the President when he met with SLPP leaders Mahinda Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa last week. Such concerns were reiterated in the wake up of some MPs and electoral organizers siding with the President. Currently, a sediment o