116 killed in stampede at satsang in Uttar Pradesh

At least 116 people, including women and children, were killed after a stampede at a ‘satsang’ (religous event) in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras on Tuesday. The state government has ordered a probe into the incident and dispatched three ministers to reach the spot and monitor relief work. Inspector General (Aligarh) Shalabh Mathur confirmed that 116 people have died so far. “An FIR will be filed against the organisers of the satsang as the crowd at the

Indian Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister condole Sampanthan’s demise

In an X post, the Prime Minister said, “My deepest condolences to the family and friends of veteran TNA leader R. Sampanthan. Will always cherish fond memories of meetings with him. He relentlessly pursued a life of peace, security, equality, justice and dignity for the Tamil nationals of Sri Lanka. He will be deeply missed by his friends and followers in Sri Lanka and India.”

Will Hirunika get temporary relief from jail?

The bail application (bail pending appeal) filed on behalf of former Colombo District Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra was yesterday fixed for July 4 by the Colombo High Court.

Some are envious when seeing someone using a luxury vehicle : Piyumi

Actress Piyumi Hansamali emphasized yesterday that Mahinda Rajapaksa is neither her father nor is Gotabaya Rajapaksa her ‘Bappa’. She also clarified that she bears no responsibility for Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s earlier use of the vehicle, as she purchased it from a car dealership.

CID sends back Piyumi Hansamali without recording statement

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) sent back actress Piyumi Hansamali without recording a statement from her over the allegation of acquisition of assets beyond her means.

Person who raped 13-year-old niece arrested

The Norton Bridge Police arrested a person for the alleged rape of 13-year-old daughter of his sister, who stood surety to him when he was similarly accused of rape of a nine-year-old girl. His sister stood surety to the bail bond in a previous case against him for the rape of a nine-year-old girl.

Sri Lanka a step closer to Starlink internet service

In a step closer to the introduction of Starlink satellite internet service in Sri Lanka, the Committee on Public Finance has approved Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill subjected to amendments to ensure consumers are ensured the benefits from advanced telecommunication technology.

Organised criminal Kanjipani Imran secures asylum in France

France has given political asylum to notorious organised criminal Kanjipani Imran, an informed source said.

Kataragama Maha Devala festival

The annual Esala Perehera festival of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala is scheduled to commence on July 06. The Kap Planting ceremony had been performed on May 24.

Frequent flyer nabbed with Rs.20 million gold

A passenger who attempted to make exit through the Green Channel was arrested by Customs officers for having in his possession a consignment of jewellery valued more than Rs.20 million.

Around 700 unregistered Driving Schools in Sri Lanka

There are approximately 700 unregistered driving schools operating in the country, Department of Motor Traffic told media yesterday.

Karuwalagaswewa accident

One died in a head on collision of a trishaw and a van at Karuwalagaswewa 7th km post in the early hours of last morning.

R. Sampanthan no more

Veteran Tamil politician MP R. Sampanthan, 91, passed away yesterday at a private hospital in Colombo, a party official said.

alleged sexual abuse : Travel ban issued against Richard Pieris Group Chairman Sena Yaddehige

Kollupitiya Police have obtained a travel ban against Sena Yaddehige, Chairman of Richard Pieris Group, in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a female business analyst from the company.

Ready to work with all who back my candidacy at the presidential poll : Ranil

Responding to a request made by some government ministers that he should contest for the presidential election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said he is ready to work with everyone who made this request.

Bribery Commission investigates Ex-MP Diana Gamage for misuse of state funds

The Bribery Commission has started investigating a complaint against former MP Diana Gamage regarding the abuse of state finance and assets as an MP, knowing she is a non-Sri Lankan and a British citizen.

CPC fuel prices reduced

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has reduced its fuel prices with effect from last night.

Involvement in an accident: Range Bandara’s son granted bail

UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara’s son Yasoda Range Bandara was produced before the Puttalam Actg. Magistrate Sabri Mohmed in connection with an accident on Saturday (29) at Karuwalagaswewa and released on personnel bail of Rs.500,000. His driving license was temporarily impounded.

Father charged with abuse of son acquitted due to incorrect transcript of son’s video interview

In a landmark judgement pertaining to the use of video evidence in a child abuse case, the Court of Appeal has recently set aside the conviction with a 16-year jail term imposed against the father of the victim child on the basis that accused was denied a fair trial by presenting incorrect transcript of the video interview pertaining to the child’s evidence conducted by the Child Protection Authority.

Navy sailor’s death Sri Lanka registers protest but tones it down

Sri Lanka registered its concerns with India on the death of a navy sailor in his attempt to seize an Indian fishing boat poaching in Sri Lankan waters, an informed source said.

Old soldiers never die, Sarath Fonseka to serve nation further: President

Whilst highlighting that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Sarath Fonseka is a man of ability who never gives up, President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said Sri Lanka will get the opportunity of enjoying the services of the former in the near future.

Black Defender abduction case: Hirunika jailed for three years

Former Colombo District Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra was found guilty of her involvement in the abduction of a youth using a Defender in 2015 and was given a three-year rigorous prison sentence by the Colombo High Court yesterday.

Tamil Nadu’s silence hampers resolution of Indo-Lanka fisheries issue: Minister

In the backdrop of the death of a Navy sailor in the attempt to contain IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said the central government of India alone could not address this issue without the cooperation of the state government Tamil Nadu which is still maintaining stoic silence despite its impact on livelihoods of Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen in particular.

Teachers, principals back at work amid threat by Govt.

The second round of evaluation for the 2024 GCE A/L examination began yesterday

Top U.S. Treasury Official here next week

In the wake of Sri Lanka successfully concluding its bilateral debt restructuring, U.S. Treasury’s Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Kaproth will visit Sri Lanka next week to meet with government officials, think tanks, and financial sector leaders.

Online financial scam: 137 Indians netted

158 mobile phones, 16 laptops and 60 desktop computers were seized

Cocaine, Kush came as Whey Protein worth Rs.185Mn seized by Customs

The drugs had been sent from Canada and the USA to two addresses in Kadawatha and Colombo about a month ago

Daily Mirror journalist bags top Environmental Award

Prageeth Sampath Karunathilaka, an investigative journalist for the Daily Mirror, has won the Gold Award in the Media Sector - Individual Category (English medium) at the Presidential Environmental Awards 2024. The award honours his exceptional contributions to environmental journalism in Sri Lanka.

Suspects in Jalthara gang rape further remanded

The eight suspects on remand in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old schoolgirl, including her lover, inside the concrete structure of a half-built crematorium in Jalthara, Hanwella on Poson Poya Day were produced before Homagama Acting Magistrate Pathmasiri Jayawardene yesterday and further remanded till July 05.

Pathfinder Foundation and U.S. Embassy honour Col. Henry Steel Olcott’s legacy in Buddhist revival

Pathfinder Foundation, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, held an event to commemorate the well-known pioneer of the Buddhist revival in Sri Lanka, the late Col. Henry Steel Olcott, on June 16, 2024. The event was held at the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, where several eminent senior Buddhist clergy and special invitees representing Buddhist organisations, Dhamma schools, and leading Buddhist schools in Colombo parti