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Taliban suspends chess over gambling concerns
Taliban suspends chess over gambling concerns
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has banned chess until further notice due to fears the game is a source of gambling. MORE..
Thousands of devotees flock to Bodh Gaya amid tight security
Thousands of devotees flock to Bodh Gaya amid tight security
Thousands of devotees from several countries including Sri Lanka have been visiting Bodh Gaya since the early hours of today to offer prayers and pay homage at the sacred Mahabodhi Temple on the auspicious occasion of Lord Buddha’s 2569th birth anniversary. MORE..
8,742 ‘Dansal’ registered for Vesak season; Derana’s 24-hr ‘Dansala’ gets underway at 7pm
8,742 ‘Dansal’ registered for Vesak season; Derana’s 24-hr ‘Dansala’ gets underway at 7pm
A total of 8,742 ‘Dansal’ have been registered across the island, in line with the Vesak Day celebrations, the Public Health Inspectors’ Union has confirmed. MORE..
Vesak season a time to heal hearts and minds of humanity - PM Harini
Vesak season a time to heal hearts and minds of humanity - PM Harini
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that in Sri Lanka, where people of diverse ethnicities and religions coexist in harmony, the collective celebration of a major religious festival such as Vesak stands as a powerful testament to that unity. MORE..
Sri Pada Pilgrimage season draws to a close
Sri Pada Pilgrimage season draws to a close
The Sri Pada Pilgrimage season which commenced on the Unduwap Full Moon Poya Day on December 14, 2024 will officially conclude following religious observances. MORE..
US, China hail ‘constructive’ Geneva trade talks, details due Monday
US, China hail ‘constructive’ Geneva trade talks, details due Monday
The U.S. and China ended high-stakes trade talks on a positive note on Sunday, with U.S. officials touting a “deal” to reduce the U.S. trade deficit, while Chinese officials said the sides had reached “important consensus” and agreed to launch another new economic dialogue forum. MORE..
Buddha’s message of peace remains ever-relevant: President Dissanayake
Buddha’s message of peace remains ever-relevant: President Dissanayake
In his Vesak Day message, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called on the public to build a prosperous nation rooted in selflessness, equality and social justice, fulfilling the aspirations of the people for a “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.” MORE..
Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage as part of efforts to reach Gaza ceasefire
Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage as part of efforts to reach Gaza ceasefire
Hamas says it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, who is believed to be the last living captive with US nationality in Gaza, as a part of efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement. MORE..
Showery conditions to enhance in south-western part of the island
Showery conditions to enhance in south-western part of the island
The Department of Meteorology says showery condition is expected to be enhanced in the Southwestern part of the country up to some extent from today (12) evening. MORE..
President Dissanayake welcomes India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement
President Dissanayake welcomes India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement
The President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, issued a statement today (11) welcoming the ceasefire agreement reached between India and Pakistan and reaffirmed the country’s unwavering support for continued dialogue. MORE..
Fragile ceasefire holds between India, Pakistan as Trump offers more help
Fragile ceasefire holds between India, Pakistan as Trump offers more help
A ceasefire between India and Pakistan was holding on Sunday after both sides blamed the other for initial violations, as U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to help the arch-rivals find a solution on the disputed Kashmir region. MORE..
What caused the Gerandi Ella bus accident?
What caused the Gerandi Ella bus accident?
Investigations are underway to determine whether the cause of the bus accident that occurred at Gerandi Ella in Kotmale this morning (11) was due to the driver’s negligence or due a technical defect in the bus, Police Media Spokesman, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manatunga, said. MORE..
Special traffic plan in Colombo in view of Vesak
Special traffic plan in Colombo in view of Vesak
Sri Lanka Police has announced the implementation of a special traffic plan in Colombo from tomorrow (12) in line with the 2025 Vesak Festival. MORE..
Pope Leo XIV appeals for ‘no more war’ in first Sunday message
Pope Leo XIV appeals for ‘no more war’ in first Sunday message
Pope Leo XIV appealed to the world’s major powers for “no more war” in his first Sunday message to crowds in St. Peter’s Square since his election as pontiff. MORE..
Actress Semini Iddamalgoda granted bail
Actress Semini Iddamalgoda granted bail
Popular actress Semini Iddamalgoda, who was arrested by the Welikada Police last evening (10), has been granted bail. MORE..
COPA criticizes Railway Dept. for audit delays and inefficiency
COPA criticizes Railway Dept. for audit delays and inefficiency
The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) has uncovered that the Department of Railways had failed to submit audit reports properly for several years. Accordingly, the COPA has accused the department of serious inefficiency. MORE..
Asanga Abeyagoonasekera becomes first Sri Lankan appointed to Millennium Project Board
Asanga Abeyagoonasekera becomes first Sri Lankan appointed to Millennium Project Board
The Millennium Project, a leading global think tank on future studies and foresight, has appointed Asanga Abeyagoonasekera to its Board of Directors as an Ex-officio member—marking the first time a Sri Lankan has joined the board. MORE..
Over 19,000 dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka so far this year
Over 19,000 dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka so far this year
A total of 19,215 dengue cases have been reported in the country so far this year, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) has confirmed. MORE..
President offers condolences to families of victims of Gerandi Ella accident
President offers condolences to families of victims of Gerandi Ella accident
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended his condolences to families of those who died in the bus accident that occurred in Gerandi Ella, Kotmale this morning (11). MORE..
Gerandi Ella bus accident: Helicopters on standby to airlift those injured to Colombo
Gerandi Ella bus accident: Helicopters on standby to airlift those injured to Colombo
Two Bell 412 helicopters have been kept on standby to airlift those injured in this morning’s bus accident in Gerandi Ella to Colombo, the Ministry of Defence said. MORE..
Govt. to pay Rs. 1 million each to families of victims of Gerandi Ella accident
Govt. to pay Rs. 1 million each to families of victims of Gerandi Ella accident
The government has decided to pay a compensation of Rs. 1 million to families of each individual who died in this morning’s bus accident in Gerandi Ella. MORE..
Over 30,000 tourists arrive in first week of May
Over 30,000 tourists arrive in first week of May
The number of tourists who arrived in the country in the first week of May stood at 33,910, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has announced. MORE..
Death toll in Gerandi Ella bus accident climbs to 22
Death toll in Gerandi Ella bus accident climbs to 22
The death toll in the accident at Gerandi Ella in Ramboda this morning (11) when a bus veered off the road and toppled down a precipice on the Nuwara Eliya - Gampola main road has increased to 22, Police said. MORE..
CEB Chairman Tilak Siyambalapitiya resigns
CEB Chairman Tilak Siyambalapitiya resigns
The Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya has handed in his letter of resignation. MORE..
Four arrested at BIA with foreign cigarettes worth Rs. 60mn
Four arrested at BIA with foreign cigarettes worth Rs. 60mn
Four individuals have been apprehended by Sri Lanka Customs officers along with a consignment of foreign-manufactured cigarettes valued at Rs. 60 million. MORE..