Why does China court Sri Lankan MPs more than others?

China, more than any other country in the region or elsewhere, offers exchange programmes to the parliamentarians from Sri Lanka.

Danushka Gunathilaka cleared of Tinder date rape

Sri Lankan international cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka has been found not guilty of sexual assault by a Sydney judge who said the evidence established there was “no opportunity” for him to have removed a condom during sex, and that he was truthful in his police interview.

Full economic recovery not yet assured: IMF team says cocluding visit to SL

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission team concluding its visit to Sri Lanka said that despite early signs of stabilization, full economic recovery is not yet assured.

Health Ministry demands unprecedented payment from medical specialists

Concerns are rising among medical specialists following an incident in which the Ministry of Health instructed a neurologist to repay the salary earned during his postgraduate training period in Sri Lanka.

24 underage couples found engaged in sexual activities at Homagama

Homagama police yesterday carried out a raid on a park run by a private institution in Homagama on complaints that underage children were allowed to engage in sexual activities in cubicles at the park and found 24 young couples in the cubicles.

US raises concerns over Chinese Research vessel’s Sri Lanka visit

The U.S. Under Secretary Victoria Nuland, in her meeting with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, is reported to have raised concerns about the upcoming visit of Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6.

Police yet to arrest suspects over killing of D.V. Chanaka’s father-in-law

No suspects have been arrested so far over the killing of State Minister D.V. Chanaka’s father-in-law, a textile businessman in Galle, Police said.

Cancellation of LG poll nominations incurs loss of Rs 01 Bn

The recent decision to cancel nominations submitted for the local government elections may lead to a significant financial loss of over one billion rupees, according to the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL).

Finance Ministry to remove import restrictions except on vehicles from Oct .1

The Finance Ministry has taken measures to remove the import restrictions on all currently restricted items, except on private vehicles, from October 1, Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said.

Video of Cargills staff brutally assaulting female goes viral

A video showing a group of staff members from a Cargills supermarket outlet brutally assaulting a female customer is circulating on social media.

Ali Sabry’s Photo with son at UN fuels nepotism outcry

A picture of Foreign Minister Ali Sabry with his son at an event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly has sparked criticism with people questioning as to why such privileges are offered to the relatives of politicians.

Sri Lanka alert on Nipah virus in Kerala, but rules out any threat

In the wake of the outbreak of Nipah virus in the South Indian State of Kerala, the health authorities in Sri Lanka have taken note of it but ruled out any immediate threat.

New Rules for Foreign Ships and Planes allaying India’s concerns

Sri Lanka will unveil the Standard Operating Procedure (SPO) shortly setting out guidelines to be followed by foreign ships or aircraft in making a port of call in Sri Lanka and carrying out activities in territorial waters, a top source said.

Sri Lanka grapples with crime wave and IGP turmoil

In the recent past, Sri Lanka has witnessed a worrying increase in various forms of criminal activities such as shootings, killings in broad daylight and theft, robbery, and drug-related offenses, raising concerns among citizens and authorities alike.

Some allegations merely conspiracy theories: Top police officer

Some allegations that have been made on Easter Sunday attacks are merely conspiracy theories that reject accepted narratives with regard to the April 2019 attacks, a senior police officer told MPs during a meeting held at the parliamentary complex.

Social media banned for Northern Province health workers

The Provincial Department of Health Services, Northern Province has implemented a ban on the use of social media for health workers including doctors during duty hours.

SL mission in London owes thousands of pounds in unpaid congestion fees: United Kingdom

The British Foreign Office announced that a large number of foreign embassies in London, including the Sri Lankan High Commission, owe the country millions of pounds in unpaid congestion charges.

Decision to recall retired specialists not feasible: Experts

With reference to the decision of the health Ministry to recall the retired medical specialists, medical specialists opined that it is neither a feasible nor a longstanding move to address the shortage of specialists.

No citizenship certificate issued to Diana Gamage: Counsel tells court

The Court of Appeal today was informed that there was no citizenship certificate issued to State Minister Diana Gamage by the Minister.

Authorities admit migration of doctors beyond their control

With the migration of medical professionals from Sri Lanka reaching an alarming level, exacerbated by the low salaries offered to specialists, the health authorities are now admitting that the situation is beyond their control.

SriLankan Airlines grapples with pilots shortage amid economic turmoil

Nearly 60 pilots have left SriLankan Airlines during the last 12 months and the airline is in the process of recruiting pilots. It has already obtained Government approval to recruit foreign pilots if required, to face the shortage, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, Richard Nuttall said.

Daily automated fuel price revising system from next year

In an effort to streamline the fuel dispensing process at all Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) refueling stations, the CPC has decided to introduce a daily automated price revision system starting next year.

GR to back new political party?

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who has maintained a stark silence since his resignation in July last year is now eyeing to recapture and strengthen his failed image through a new political party which is now led by one of his close aide’s and media owner who declared his entry into politics yesterday.

Perpetrators behind Easter Sunday attacks can be forgiven: Cardinal

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith over the weekend stressed that the perpetrators behind the Easter Sunday bomb attacks can be forgiven if they accept responsibility and repent.

Plans afoot to establish first non-government medical faculty in SL: RW

Plans have been made to establish the first non-government medical faculty in Sri Lanka in a move to expand medical education opportunities and find solutions to the challenges posed by the shortage of doctors, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Patients inconvenienced as specialist abruptly leaves Kahawatta Hospital

Patients are facing a significant setback in their healthcare as the ophthalmologist at the Kahawatta Hospital in Ratnapura has suddenly left the country, it is reported.

Health Minister survives No-Confidence Motion despite crumbling health sector

Despite the seriousness of allegations regarding the deterioration of the health service in the country with the influx of subpar medicines, corruption and frauds, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella survived a no-confidence motion against him in Parliament yesterday.

No-Confidence Motion against Keheliya defeated

The No-Confidence Motion brought against Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella by the Opposition was defeated with a majority of 40 votes a short while ago.

Adani, Emirates, Tata interested in SriLankan Airlines: Report

The Sri Lankan government is actively exploring options for the privatisation of SriLankan Airlines (UL, Colombo International) and is engaging in talks with various private entities and airlines, according to a report by ch-aviation. Among the potential investors are well-known names such as Emirates (EK, Dubai International), Tata Sons, and the Adani Group.

Health Ministry to get tough on doctors who leave country

In the wake of the incident where the only consultant anaesthetist at the Embilipitiya District General Hospital had left the hospital without prior notice, the Health Ministry said stringent actions will be taken against doctors who travel overseas without prior notice.