NGOs spend billions unchecked, new law soon to monitor them

In the wake of reports that as much as over half of funds received by various NGOs are spent without any monitoring, the government is in the final stage of evolving a new law that provides for compulsory registration of all such organizations with the National NGO Secretariat, an official said.

Pathum Nissanka runs riot; becomes first Sri Lankan to slam ODI double ton

An inevitable win for Sri Lanka was only delayed by Afghanistan’s sixth wicket pair, Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzi, who both cracked tons and shared a 242-run stand, as it turned out to be insufficient and too late.

Keheliya resigns as Cabinet Minister

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who is in prison has tendered his resignation from the position of Environment Minister to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Government rushed to amend Online Safety Act amidst pressure

Amidst concerns by the industry stakeholders about the possible impact on digital economy, the government has already worked out fresh amendments to be incorporated into the recently introduced Online Safety Act.

Anura Kumara to leave for India tomorrow on official invitation

A group led by NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake is to leave for India tomorrow on an official invitation by the Indian government, party sources said.

Keheliya Rambukwella admitted to prison hospital

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who was remanded over importation of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, was admitted to Prison Hospital.

Keheliya Rambukwella remanded until February 15

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday over the importation of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, has been remanded until February 15.

Yukthiya operation should not be passionate or personal initiative outside law

The Lawyers’ Collective, in an open letter to Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles yesterday said the Yukthiya Anti-drug Campaign must conform to the rule of law and should not be a passionate, personal initiative that seeks implementation outside the law.

UN Human Rights office calls for amendment to Online Safety Act

The United Nations Human Rights office has urged the government to consider amending the controversial Online Safety Act to ensure it complies with human rights obligations.

Cinnamon Lakeside responds to allegations over contaminated white pepper

In response to recent concerns surrounding an incident at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo where a soup unfit for human consumption has reportedly been served to a patron, the establishment has clarified the incident.

Will defy all laws and begin another Aragalaya tomorrow: SJB

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will not take notice of any restrictions but will take to the streets tomorrow and fire the first shot towards overthrowing the present government, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said today.

Somali Navy Chief contacts EU Navy

Somali Navy Abdi Warsame Osman has contacted the European Union Joint Operation Centre to secure the release of the Sri Lankans abducted by the Somali pirates, an official said.

ICC lifts ban on Sri Lanka with immediate effect

The International Cricket Council (ICC) lifted the ban that was imposed on Sri Lanka with immediate effect, Sports Minister Harin Fernando said.

Fresh efforts underway to expedite illumination in Expressways

In the wake of two fatal accidents including the pre-dawn crash that claimed the life of State Minister Sanath Nishantha, the Road Development Authority (RDA) is planning to expedite illumination of the expressway by laying aluminum transmission cables in place of Rs.250 million worth copper current cables stolen during the pandemic.

Sri Lanka cannot simply walk away from IMF: Ranil

Sri Lanka cannot simply dismiss its engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised while citing the complexities that could arise, if a decision is made to do so.

Hotel accountant arrested for soliciting sexual bribe from female employee

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) conducted the first crackdown on bribery in the private sector under the powers conferred by the new Anti-Corruption Act.

Sanath Nishantha; will he be remembered?

Forty-eight-year-old Sanath Nishantha who hailed from Puttalam, left his house late on Wednesday to attend two weddings, one in Kurunegala and another in Chilaw. While wishing his wife and four children goodbye, little did he know that he would never return.

Jeevan Thondaman under fire for inviting South Indian actresses amidst austerity, hardship

Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) General Secretary Minister Jeevan Thondaman is in the centre of controversy over the presence of South Indian actresses Aishwarya Rajesh, Aishwarya Dutta, Samyuktha Menon, and Meenakshi (Pinky Sarkar) in national Thai Pongal celebrations conducted in Hatton last Sunday.

Carrot, beans and leeks can be supplied at Rs. 300 to Rs. 350 a kilo, if imported: Minister

Commenting on the sky rocketing vegetable prices, the Trade, Commerce, and Food Security Minister Nalin Fernando said if vegetables were imported, vegetables such as a kilo of carrot, beans and leeks can be supplied at Rs. 300 to Rs. 350.

Leaked audio exposes woman attempting to bribe Narcotics ASP

A leaked audio conversation between a police officer and a female lawyer, suspected of representing a relative of organized criminal Ganemulla Sanjeewa who is being held at the Weeragula Police Station, has surfaced.

Even IMF has accepted NPP will come to power: Tilvin

Most countries and organisations in the world, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have begun to realise that the National People’s Power (NPP) will come to power at the next election, NPP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said today.

Sri Lanka remains open for positive role in dousing India-Maldives tension

Sri Lanka remains open to play a positive role in dousing tension between India and the Maldives in the greater interest of regional peace, Daily Mirror learns.

Anura vows to dissolve President’s security detail, vehicle fleet once elected

Claiming that a future NPP government would stop politicians’ misuse of public money, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today they will dissolve the large security detail of the President and the fleet of expensive vehicles used by politicians.

Acting IGP hands over list of 42,248 crime suspects to OICs

Acting IGP Deshabandu Thennakoon has handed over a comprehensive list of 42,248 suspects involved in crimes across the entire island to the Officers-in-charge of crimes of all the police stations, the Public Security Ministry said.

Health workers announce massive strike action next week

Non-doctor employees are gearing up for an island-wide strike on Tuesday, January 16, as declared by the trade unions representing the health sector.

MPs party on dredging vessel at taxpayers expense

A joy ride for the ruling party parliamentarians had been provided by Sri Lanka Ports Authority in two dredging vessels on Tuesday January 9 at the expense of the taxpayers.

US expresses concerns over Human Rights violations during Sri Lanka’s ’Yukthiya’ operation

The United States has echoed the concerns raised by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) regarding alleged human rights abuses during the recent ’Yukthiya’ Operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Police and the Ministry of Public Security.

Sri Lanka reports over 1,500 leprosy cases including children

Observing a significant increase in leprosy cases, a total of 1,550 leprosy cases were logged in 2023 with 173 cases being reported among school children.

Emergency declared at flood hit Yala National Park

An emergency disaster situation has been declared at the Yala National Park following the inundation of entrance points due to the spilling of minor tanks, an official said.

SJB Badulla District MP Chaminda Wijesiri resigns from Parliament

SJB MP Chaminda Wijesiri announced his decision to resign from Parliament a short while ago.