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Posts published in “News”

US attack on Venezuela: FM Vijitha reveals SL Govt position

During a government press briefing held today (4), Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath explained the Sri Lankan government’s stance on the US military intervention in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Responding to journalists, the Foreign Minister said the Sri Lankan government has called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss further action over the breach of international law and the UN Charter. “According to the UN Charter and international law, action must be taken to protect the sovereignty of all nations. All UN member states are required to adhere to these…

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Gazette issued for bill to abolish MPs’ pensions

The gazette notification relating to the proposed bill to abolish the pensions of Members of Parliament has been issued, marking a key step toward legislative action on the matter. According to the gazette, the bill seeks to repeal provisions that currently allow former MPs to receive parliamentary pensions, a benefit that has been the subject of longstanding public debate and criticism. The post Gazette issued for bill to abolish MPs’ pensions appeared first on Newswire.

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Dilith Jayaweera expects President AKD to take stand against US move on Venezuela

Sri Lanka’s opposition MP Dilith Jayaweera said he expects President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to oppose what he described as Washington’s actions against Venezuela, pledging his “unconditional backing” should the president take a firm stand. In a post on X, Jayaweera said he expects Sri Lanka’s “socialist president” to object to the United States’ moves on Venezuela and expressed support for a bold response against what he termed an “anti-democratic move” by US President Donald Trump against a sovereign nation. The Sri Lankan government has not yet issued an official comment on the situation in Venezuela. However, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna…

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Australian tourist’s stolen bag recovered as police make swift arrest in Unawatuna

An Australian journalist has thanked police for their swift action after a suspect was arrested within hours over the theft of her belongings in the Unawatuna area, police said. The incident occurred in the early hours of January 2 near a restaurant along the Unawatuna beach, where the woman’s handbag containing an iPhone, foreign currency and bank cards was stolen. According to the Sri Lanka Police, the victim lodged a complaint with the Unawatuna Tourist Police on January 4, following which officers were able to identify and arrest a suspect within a short period. Police said the woman, who is…

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FACETS Sri Lanka 2026 opens at Cinnamon Life

FACETS Sri Lanka 2026 was officially inaugurated at Cinnamon Life – The City of Dreams, marking a significant milestone for Asia’s premier gem and jewellery exhibition. Now in its 33rd edition, the exhibition opens with a bold, future-focused vision that celebrates Sri Lanka’s rich gem heritage while positioning the industry for its next phase of global growth.

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WATCH : Special Government Presser with PM & FM

The government on Sunday held a special press briefing attended by Prime Minister and Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya, along with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, to outline the importance of the new education reforms scheduled to be implemented this year The post WATCH : Special Government Presser with PM & FM appeared first on Newswire.

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US will face big mess if attempts made to ‘run’ inflating Venezuela, economist says

ECONOMYNEXT – The United State will get into a ‘big mess’ if attempts are made to ‘run’ Venezuela which is an unstable country with unknown levels of inflation, a top US economist who has tracked the country closely and advised its opposition, has warned. “We are going to run the country,” President Trump told reporters after abducting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores in a special operation. “Uncle Sam’s going to have a big mess in his hands,” Professor of Applied Economics at John Hopkins University said in a twitter.com post. “Venezuela hasn’t even reported its official…

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JVP condemns US military intervention in Venezuela

Sri Lanka’s Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the main party in the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) coalition, has strongly condemned what it described as a military intervention by the United States against Venezuela, accusing Washington of violating the country’s sovereignty. In a statement issued on January 4, the JVP alleged that the United States had carried out a forceful military action against Venezuela and claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was elected by popular vote, and his wife had been abducted during the operation. The ruling party said the authority to determine a country’s future and its leadership lies…

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Airline employee arrested for attempting to smuggle Rs. 46m worth of gold

An employee of a private airline has been arrested by customs officials for attempting to smuggle a consignment of gold jewellery and gold biscuits worth over Rs. 46 million into the country. According to reports, the individual had concealed the gold items in a travel bag and tried to leave through the exit designated for airline staff. Customs officials at the airport said they recovered gold jewellery and gold biscuits weighing 1 kilogram and 163 grams from the luggage. The suspect is a 27-year-old resident of Colombo. Further investigations into the case are underway at Katunayake Airport by customs authorities.…

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At least 40 killed in US attacks in Venezuela: Report

A senior Venezuelan official tells the New York Times civilians and soldiers were killed during a US operation targeting President Nicolas Maduro. At least 40 people, including civilians and soldiers, were killed during a US military attack targeting Venezuela to “abduct” President Nicolas Maduro, according to a report published by the New York Times. Citing a senior Venezuelan official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the report said, “At least 40 people, including civilians and soldiers, were killed in the attack.” US officials told the newspaper that the assault involved a large-scale aerial campaign aimed at disabling Venezuela’s air defences…

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Foundation stone laid for Sadaham Mandiraya at Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya

The foundation stone laying ceremony for the proposed seven-storey Sadaham Mandiraya at the historic Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya was held on January 3 with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of the Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Aluth Nuwara Anuruddha Thero, members of the Maha Sangha, and several invitees, including Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe. (NewsWire)  The post Foundation stone laid for Sadaham Mandiraya at Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya appeared first on Newswire.

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Four arrested over attempted murder shooting in Kohuwala

Four suspects have been arrested in connection with an attempted murder involving a firearm in the Kohuwala police area, police said. The shooting occurred on December 30, 2025, when two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle opened fire in front of a house in the Bodiyatta area, injuring a young woman. Following investigations, officers from the Mount Lavinia Divisional Crimes Investigation Bureau arrested four suspects on January 3 in the Kalubowila area. The suspects include the motorcycle rider, the gunman, a person involved in transporting firearms, and another who allegedly provided shelter to the attackers. Police said investigations revealed the incident…

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Sri Lanka promises equal treatment as tuk-tuk gangs subvert rule of law, tourism brand

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka authorities have to enforce law against violence used by tuk-tuk gangs against PickMe and Uber drivers who charged lower fares, information and media minister Nalinda Jayatissa said as the the island’s tourism brand as a safe destination is also coming under threat. Some regional tuk-tuk driver associations, especially in tourist hotspots have intimidated fellow drivers working through ride-hailing apps like PickMe and Uber who were competing by charging lower fares from foreigners and locals. Halting Competition by Violence “Whether or not there is competition using mafia tactics (mara balaya) is wrong,” Minister Jayatissa said. “The law…

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