168 rape cases reported in September, 22 of them pregnant: Eran

11,000 child abuse incidents reported in Sri Lanka in 2021

Young woman murdered by husband, body found buried behind home

A 23-year-old man has been arrested for the murder of his young wife, whose body was found buried behind their residence in Neeravipiddi, Mulliyawalai. Police said the victim’s mother reported that her 22-ye

Sea bottom research off limits for Shi Yang 6

Foreign Ministry approves ship to be docked till Oct 28 for replenishment only

UK-SL making progress on mutual driving licence exchange agreement: UK Minister

Mutual driving licence exchange agreements are in place with 22 countries

Bus priority lane rule will come into effect from November 1

Rule effective during morning and evening office hours

SL educational qualifications to be mutually recognized in Italy: Minister

This will promote educational and economic cooperation between the two countries

High-yielding dairy cow that produced 26 litres of milk daily, stolen and slaughtered

Fine for cattle theft to be increased along with imprisonment

Milco chairman held hostage , 13 employees arrested

Thirteen employees of Milco were arrested by the Kollupitiya Police for allegedly holding its Chairman Renuka Perera and several others as hostage at the main office yesterday, the police said. Milco is a state owned company involved in the dairy industry.

True leaders should be aware of existing policies, currently under development: Manusha

The National Policy and Action Plan on Migration for Employment in Sri Lanka (2023-2027) represents a significant step forward in the government’s approach to labour migration

Include safety measures for LPG use in A/L syllabus

The chairman of LITRO Gas Lanka, Muditha Peiris, yesterday requested Education Minister Susil Premajayantha to include the safety measures associated with using liquid petroleum gas (LPG) in the Advanced Level (A/L) syllabus. During an event organised by LITRO Gas Company and the Education Ministry, the LITRO chairman described the importance of considering the use of LPG. He highlighte

Doctors to withdraw from VIP health security services: GMOA

Decision made in protest of government’s failure to retain medical officers who are expecting to go abroad

MOU entered into for closer collaboration

The Sri Lanka China Journalists Forum and the All-Pakistan Journalists Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines their commitment to promoting cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan and enhancing the educational landscape for aspiring journalists. The MOU signing was a momentous occasion attended by journalists from more than 15 countries and witnessed by Mr. Tao, the Director of the International Department of th

New Health Minister vows to make crucial changes

Newly appointed Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said he expects to make some crucial and timely changes in terms of policies and individuals in the health sector. He made this remark at a news briefing held at the health ministry yesterday (24) after he assumed duties as the Health Minister. “As we are aware, the healthcare in Sri Lanka is confronted with a spate of challenges triggered by the recent economic crisis. Although several issue

Colombo Commercial High Court to hear leading footwear company’s case on Nov. 20

Colombo Commercial High Court is to hear the contempt of court case on November 20, which was filed against the director board of the leading footwear company Samson Group for relieving the duties of one of its directors against the court’s jurisdiction. The case has been filed against the company’s Managing Director Kasun Rajapaksha, Director Thusitha Rajapaksha, Bhathiya Amarakoon, Asanka Rajapaksha, Nelani Rajapaksha and Company Secretary W

SL to set-up ‘Anti-Narcotic Command’ to capture drugs coming from overseas

Sri Lanka is to establish a unit named ‘Anti-Narcotic Command’ with the help of foreign intelligence services to arrest drugs brought to Sri Lanka from foreign countries, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake said yesterday. He also said that this will enable the three armed forces and the State Intelligence Service to provide the necessary facilities to carry out the relevant raids.

Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector in North and East China’s interest brews in North much to India’s agitation

Despite India’s objection registered with the Sri Lankan authorities, China’s foray in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces persists, particularly with a focus on the fisheries sector. When Chinese ambassador Qi Zhenhong visited the Northern Province of Sri Lanka in 2021, India, particularly the Indian media, made an uproar. On that occasion, the Chinese delegation did it in style. The ambassador and the team offered prayers at Nallur Kan

Ultimatum for liquor manufacturers to pay outstanding taxes

The Finance Ministry has issued the final notice to liquor manufacturers to pay their outstanding taxes before the end of this month. State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said liquor manufacturers were issued with final notices to pay up all taxes in default. He said steps will be taken to collect default taxes of ten years. The Minister said there are no moves to provide tax c

CA quashes decision to send nurses on compulsory retirement at age 60

The Court of Appeal yesterday issued a Writ of Certiorari quashing the government’s decision made to send public officers (including four grades of nursing services) on compulsory retirement at age 60. This order will be applicable to the nursing service especially officers in Grade I, Supra Grade, Special Grade and Executive Grade of Sri Lanka nursing service. Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justice (President) Nissanka Bandula Ka

Aiding a Moulavi to record Easter Sunday PCoI proceedings Lawyer gets eight-month suspension

Aiding a Moulavi to record Easter Sunday PCoI proceedings Lawyer gets eight-month suspension

Terrorism-related blacklist Emil Kanthan and Sanmugarajah removed from blacklist

The Ministry of Defence has taken action to remove the names of two individuals who had been blacklisted due to their alleged support for terrorism and related activities. Ramesh had been the subject of an Interpol Red notice since July 27, 2010 The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne, issued a Gazette notification on Monday (23), officially removing the names of these two persons from the blacklist. The individu

Tear gassed...

Police fired tear gas and used water cannons at the teachers’ and principals’ union members who staged a protest near Palam Thuna Junction in Pelawatta yesterday.

Assault on female worker Court orders psychiatric reports of the couple

Welisara Magistrate, Thusitha Dhammika Uduwavidana, ordered yesterday that psychiatric reports be obtained to assess the mental condition of the company owner and his wife who viciously assaulted a female office worker in Kandana recently. The order was granted following a request made by Chief Inspector Gamini Senarath Hewawithana of Kandana Police Station. The request was made due to the severity of the attack, as it deviated from normal h

Regulations set to be amended for Employment of females in night shifts

The Cabinet yesterday had given its approval for amending the provisions in the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act, No. 19 of 1954. This amendment aims to empower women by allowing them to work during nighttime hours. The amendment to the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act, No. 19 of 1954, now opens up more opportunities for women. Specifically, women working in

Sri Lankans in Israel without valid visas Special programme underway to provide visas - SL Ambassador in Israel

A special programme is underway to provide visas for Sri Lankans staying in Israel without a valid visa or with expired visas, the Sri Lankan ambassador in Israel said. Ambassador Nimal Bandara stated that the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel yesterday conducted a programme to gather information of Sri Lankans staying in Israel without a valid visa and it will continue today as well (25). The Director General of Israel Immigration and Emigrati

SF calls for the arrest of Keheliya

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Chairman Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka called for the arrest of former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella. “Former Minister Rambukwella should be arrested, while legal action should be taken against him as well,” Fonseka said in his latest Facebook Post. Meanwhile, another SJB MP said the new Health Minister should conduct a probe to determine as to who is behind the pharmaceutical mafia. “Appointin

400 wild elephants dead this year

The wildlife department has reported that a total of 400 wild elephants have died this year. They said nearly 200 of the wild elephant deaths were a result of conflicts between elephants and humans. Many wild elephants have died in shootings and road accidents. Meanwhile, wild elephants are also reported to have died due to various diseases. The department said that there are about 6,000 elephants in the country. Due to the loss of habitat

Wild elephants destroy cultivated crops

A herd of wild elephants that roamed into Thalgahapothana and Dachchahalmillewa villages on Sunday night (22) had caused much havoc destroying cultivated land and home garden crops. The villagers said they had been facing the threat of the marauding herd of about 13 jumbos roaming into the villages in Kahatagasdigiliya division from a nearby forest reserve for the last weeks, but the wildlife conservators turned a deaf ear to their repr

If I had taken my sandal before he touched my neck...

I was compelled to defended myself by hitting him with my bag

CCD arrests five suspects over alleged Dubai-backed murder plot

It was revealed that the individuals had allegedly devised a plan to murder a local businessman in the area, with purported instructions from an organized criminal figure located in Dubai

Govt aims to generate 4,000 MW of electricity through solar panels- Kanchana

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera yesterday said that his ministry intends to designate 14,000 acres of land and water areas for the purpose of generating 4,000 MW of electricity through the installation of solar panels within the next six years Addressing the media, he said that the Min