News Archive

Restaurant owner shot by armed gang in Ahangama dies in hospital

A restaurant owner, who was critically wounded after being shot at yesterday in the Midigama area in Ahangama, has succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at the hospital. MORE...

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  7:16 am

Pope Francis spends night in hospital after breathing issues

Pope Francis spent the night in hospital in Rome, where the 86-year-old will continue receiving treatment on Thursday for what the Vatican has said is a respiratory infection. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  7:52 am

Remains of ex-Speaker Joseph Michael Perera in Parliament today

The remains of the late former Speaker of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, Joseph Michael Perera will be brought to the parliament complex today (March 30) at 9.00 a.m. to pay respects. MOE

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  8:45 am

Four youths arrested over recent clash at Sabaragamuwa Uni.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested four youths in connection with the recent assault on first-year students of Sabaragamuwa University. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  9:13 am

Youth apprehended for defrauding money using fake visa website

An individual, who defrauded people of money by creating a phishing website of the Kandy branch of Indian visa application center, has been arrested. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  10:14 am

Arjuna Ranatunga asked to resign as National Sports Council chairman

Senior Advisor of the Minister of Sports Sudath Chandrasekara on Wednesday (March 29) informed former national cricket captain and former MP Arjuna Ranatunga in writing to immediately resign as the Chairman of the National Sports Council. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  10:48 am

Chile detects first case of bird flu in a human

Chile detected the first case of bird flu in a human, the country’s health ministry reported on Wednesday. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  11:09 am

Ethnic issue cannot be ‘divorced’ from economic issue - President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated that Sri Lanka’s ethnic issue cannot be ‘divorced’ from the main economic issue it is currently facing. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  11:27 am

Two contempt petitions against Finance Secretary fixed for consideration

The Supreme Court has fixed two petitions, filed against Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, for consideration on May 22. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  11:56 am

If there is no election, there is no democracy – Mahinda Deshapriya

Former Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has deemed the postponement of the Local Government (LG) election a ‘crime’ which affects the country’s democracy. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  1:06 pm

Sri Lanka, India to boost bilateral cooperation through INR trade expansion

Sri Lanka and India have mulled over the ways and means to enhance bilateral trade, particularly through Indian Rupee trade expansion, as a key pillar of the island nation’s economic revival. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  1:34 pm

Minor tremor felt off Beruwala

A minor tremor of 3.7 magnitude was felt in the seas area off the coasts of Beruwala a short while ago (30 March). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  1:42 pm

Dozens killed in blaze on Philippines ferry

At least 28 people have been killed and 230 rescued after a passenger ferry caught fire in the Philippines. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  3:05 pm

Sports Minister writes to ICC over reports of committee probing SLC

Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Roshan Ranasinghe has reportedly written to the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) pertaining to recent reports claiming that a committee has been appointed to investigate Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  3:16 pm

China, Brazil strike deal to ditch dollar for trade

China and Brazil have reached a deal to trade in their own currencies, ditching the US dollar as an intermediary, the Brazilian government said on Wednesday, Beijing’s latest salvo against the almighty greenback. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  3:57 pm

Ensure fair taxes, accountability for corruption: HRW tells Sri Lankan govt

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the Sri Lankan government to ensure that policies implemented to enhance revenues do not ‘further erode’ economic and social rights and that anti-corruption reforms provide accountability. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  4:13 pm

‘Suraksha’ safe houses to not accept women migrant workers not registered with SLBFE

Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has decided to suspend the admission of women, who have expatriated without registering with the SLBFE and arrive at Sri Lankan embassies due to issues at their workplaces, to the ‘Suraksha’ safe houses. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  4:28 pm

Kerala cannabis worth over Rs. 54 million seized in Jaffna

The Sri Lanka Navy has seized over 165 kilograms of Kerala cannabis worth over Rs. 54 million in Madagal, Jaffna. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  4:57 pm

Prof. Jeewandara only Sri Lankan shortlisted for 2023 BSI Immunology Awards

Prof. Chandima Jeewandara of University of Sri Jayewardenepura has been shortlisted for the Early Career Research Excellence Award conferred by the British Society for Immunology (BSI). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  5:15 pm

SC orders to submit document related to presidential pardon to Jude Jayamaha

The Supreme Court has ordered the Attorney General to submit the relevant document which contains former President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to grant a presidential pardon to Jude Shramantha Jayamaha, who had been sentenced to death in relation to the Royal Park murder case. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  5:42 pm

GSMB urges public to remain vigilant of tremors

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) has urged the public to remain vigilant despite the fact that the tremor which was felt today (30 March) does not pose a serious threat. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 30, 2023  6:34 pm

Showers expected in several provinces and districts

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya and Mannar districts during the afternoon or night, says the Met. Department. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  6:42 am

Trade union leaders who obstructed fuel distribution sent on compulsory leave

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has issued a special announcement regarding the necessary steps to be taken to ensure normal fuel distribution and supply in the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  6:58 am

Fuel distribution commenced at Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela terminals - minister

Fuel distribution has commenced at Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela terminals at 6.00 a.m. this morning (29), says Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  8:20 am

Humza Yousaf confirmed as Scotland’s new first minister

Humza Yousaf has been confirmed as Scotland’s new first minister after a vote in the Scottish Parliament. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  9:06 am

Alarming increase observed in drug abuse - NDDCB

National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) says it has observed an alarming increase in drug abuse in the country as 67,900 people in total had been arrested in connection with narcotics-related offenses between January and October last year. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  9:40 am

Youth dies after being intentionally run over by vehicle

A youth, who was critically injured after a vehicle intentionally ran him over in Indrapuram, Pallai on Tuesday evening (March 28), has died. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  10:34 am

Over 20 employees banned from CPC premises

Over 20 Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) workers who did not report for duty today (29 March) have been sent on compulsory leave, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  11:09 am

Fuel prices reduced

(UPDATED) Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara says that the fuel prices will be revised from midnight today (March 29). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  11:25 am

Bus fares to be reduced

The minimum bus fare will be reduced to Rs. 30, with effect from midnight tomorrow (30 March), the Ministry of Transport announced a short while ago (29 March). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  12:35 pm

New employment scheme with Saudi Arabia sparks hope among Sri Lankan workers

Sri Lankans are hopeful that a new employment scheme with Saudi Arabia will help ease their country’s economic crisis, professionals and labor officials told Arab News, as they expect it to boost the nation’s manpower exports to the Kingdom. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  12:46 pm

Sajin Vass released in misappropriation case

The Colombo High Court has ordered the release of former parliamentarian Sajin Vass Gunawardena, who was accused of allegedly causing a loss of Rs. 883 million to the government while purchasing ground support equipment during his tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of the Mihin Lanka Airline. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  12:55 pm

CBSL reminds public of ‘significant risks’ in using and investing in cryptocurrencies

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), in light of the recent public inquiries and the developments observed in cryptocurrencies, has reiterated the “significant risks” associated with using and investing in digital currencies. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  1:06 pm

DMT issues warning to vehicles that failed emission test

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) says that a large number of vehicles, which failed the vehicle emission test, were identified during a random inspection carried out within the Western Province. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  1:09 pm

Fourth round of negotiations on proposed Sri Lanka-Thailand FTA held

The fourth round of negotiations on the proposed Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA) was held in Colombo from 27 to 29 March 2023. more..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  1:36 pm

List of CPC workers sent on compulsory leave announced

The names of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation’s (CPC) trade union leaders who were sent on “compulsory leave” have been released. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  2:29 pm

Bus fares to be slashed by 12.9%

The bus fares will be reduced by 12.9 percent with effect from midnight tomorrow (March 30), Acting Minister of Transport Lasantha Alagiyawanna says. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  2:55 pm

Three-wheeler fares also to be reduced

The All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ and Owners’ Association has decided to reduce the three-wheeler fares following the latest fuel price revision announced this morning (March 29). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  3:47 pm

Star Wars star Mark Hamill lends voice to air raid alert app to warn Ukrainians of Russian strikes

Star Wars star Mark Hamill is lending his voice to an air raid alert app to warn Ukrainians of incoming Russian bombardments. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  4:10 pm

Time period given to expat workers to import electric vehicles to be extended

The time period given to Sri Lankan expatriate workers to import electric vehicles based on their foreign remittances will be extended to the end of August 2023, Minister of Labour & Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara says. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  4:16 pm

‘Harak Kata’ files FR requesting safety assurances

Notorious underworld figure Nadun Chinthaka, alias ‘Harak Kata’, has filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition before the Supreme Court, seeking an order that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) ensure his safety. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  4:58 pm

Man accused of attempted bomb attack in bus sentenced to life in prison

The Colombo High Court today (29 March) sentenced an accused found guilty over an attempt to detonate a bomb inside a passenger bus at the Horton Place Roundabout in Colombo, on 01 September 2008, to rigorous life imprisonment. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  5:22 pm

South Africa to further consolidate bilateral relations with Sri Lanka

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry and Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs & Constitutional Reforms Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, concluded their three-day official visit to South Africa from 21-25 March 2023. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  5:26 pm

Musk, experts urge pause on AI systems, citing ‘risks to society’

Elon Musk and a group of artificial intelligence experts and industry executives are calling for a six-month pause in developing systems more powerful than OpenAI’s newly launched GPT-4, in an open letter citing potential risks to society and humanity. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  5:37 pm

Govt. to tend to construction sector’s woes as finances improve

Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor on National Security to the President Sagala Ratnayake has assured that the construction sector’s concerns would be addressed gradually, as the country’s financial sector improves. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  6:27 pm

Over 1,000 loads of Auto Diesel and Petrol dispatched today – Energy Minister

The Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Ltd (CPSTL) has dispatched over 1,000 loads, collectively, of both Auto Diesel and Octane 92 petrol between 06:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. today (29 March), Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  6:33 pm

Suspect killed in police shooting during a raid

A 52-year-old suspect has been shot dead during a raid conducted by police in the Peragas Handiya area in Wennappuwa. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  6:54 pm

Contempt petitions against Finance Secretary to be taken up tomorrow

Two petitions filed against the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Sirwardena, are due to be taken up before a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court tomorrow (30 March). MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  7:09 pm

Pulasthini Mahendran confirmed dead in 2019 suicide blast

DNA tests have confirmed that Pulasthini Mahendran, alias Sarah Jasmin, has died in the suicide bomb blast at the safe house in Sainthamaruthu on 26 April 2019. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  7:27 pm

Court to deliver decision on specialist doctors’ petition

The Court of Appeal today (March 29) ordered for the decision regarding the preliminary objections raised by the Attorney General seeking the dismissal of a petition without taking it into consideration, to be announced on May 17, 2023. MORE..

(0)Comments | March 29, 2023  9:09 pm