Popular actress Gayathri Dias appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (Nov. 24) to provide a statement. The actress had said that she refuses to give details of her visit to the CID as it was a private matter. (Newswire) The post Actress Gayathri Dias appears before CID appeared first on Newswire.
The Sri Lankan Report
Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila said the opposition will organise another mass rally in January following the large public gathering held in Nugegoda, which he described as a turning point reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with the government. Speaking at a media briefing, he accused the government of using intimidation, power cuts and misuse of state institutions to undermine the protest but said these efforts failed. He rejected claims that participants were brought in for payment, saying the turnout was driven by anger among voters over government failures. Gammanpila said all opposition parties, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, would be invited to…
A total of 1,038 suspects have been arrested during 1,038 anti-drug raids carried out across the country today under the ongoing ‘Nation Together’ national operation, police said.
Sri Lanka’s Parliament turned orange on Nov. 24 in support of the global “16 Days of Activism” campaign against gender-based violence. This year’s theme, “Let’s unite to end digital violence against all women and girls,” highlights the growing threat of online abuse. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stressed on the need for collective societal responsibility beyond legislation, while Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj announced plans to propose amendments to Standing Orders to prevent harassment of women MPs within Parliament. Parliamentarians and staff participated by wearing orange attire and receiving symbolic badges during the event organized by…
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has requested the Government of Canada to act against activities in Canada that promote separatist ideologies linked to Sri Lanka, including the public use and recognition of LTTE insignia. The Minister made the request during a meeting held today with Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Isabelle Catherine Martin. Herath urged the High Commissioner to convey to Ottawa the need to prevent events and campaigns that seek to revive separatist narratives or create divisions among Sri Lanka’s ethnic communities, noting that such actions by localized groups in Canada run counter to the Sri Lankan government’s efforts…
The Colombo High Court has acquitted a former Sri Lanka Army Captain and his driver over a 2001 incident involving the alleged theft of a mobile phone from a Wellawatta jewellery store. Following a lengthy trial, he court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, citing lack of credible witnesses and conflicting testimony. Firearm charges were earlier withdrawn after it was revealed the weapon was a gas rifle. (Newswire) The post Former Army Captain, driver acquitted in 2001 theft case appeared first on Newswire.
MP Mano Ganesan has dismissed speculation of a possible merger between the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), stating that any reconciliation between the two would only amount to a “unity framework” rather than a formal merger. In a post on X, Ganesan said the SJB has already established its distinct identity and passed the “point of return.” He urged political strategists to move away from merger discussions and instead focus on building a broad-based alliance. He proposed a coalition including the SJB, UNP, Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA), Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), remaining elements of…
Fifty of the more than 300 students kidnapped from a Nigerian Catholic school last week have escaped and have been reunited with their parents, the Catholic Church and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said on Sunday.
The Trincomalee Magistrate has issued a notice for Balangoda Kassapa Thera to appear in court by December 10 after he reportedly refused to record a police statement regarding an incident at a temple property in Trincomalee. Police said the Thera, who was in hospital at the time, declined to give a statement despite medical clearance, which they argue is a legal offence. (Newswire) The post Balangoda Kassapa Thera ordered to appear before Court over Trinco incident appeared first on Newswire.
Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake says the Cabinet paper regarding granting the Italian Driving Licence to Sri Lankans living in the country has received the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers. In a statement on social media, Minister Rathnayake said that the Cabinet approval is effective from today. He further stated that, accordingly, Sri Lankans who have lived in Italy for a period of 06 years are eligible to receive the Italian driving licence. (Newswire) The post Driving licence: Notice for Sri Lankans in Italy appeared first on Newswire.
The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) today questioned the procedures followed in releasing lands for the construction of aerodromes, where it was highlighted that the market value has not been determined.
A retired Sri Lankan judge has become one of the latest victims of an international online fraud ring that has been operating for more than two years, officials confirmed.
Despite wildlife officials expressing confidence on the ongoing efforts to drive wild elephants out of Hambantota villages, Environmental law expert Dr. Jagath Gunawardana said it’s only worsening the human–elephant conflict rather than resolving it.
The Praja Shakthi Development Foundation says many young women who leave probation and child detention centres at age 18 are turning to sex work because they have no proper job training or support.
The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for severe lightning in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Southern provinces and Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Ampara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts today. Per the advisory, effective until 11.30 pm today, red alerts have been issued to 15 districts and amber alerts to 10 districts. Warning that there may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers, the department requested the public to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by lightning activity. (Newswire) The post Lightning advisory : Red alert issued to 15 districts appeared first on Newswire.
Sri Lanka’s police service is undergoing one of its most extensive internal clean-ups in recent years, with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya intensifying a crackdown on corruption and narcotics-linked misconduct across the force, the Daily Mirror learns.
Julie Jiyoon Chung, the United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two countries.
Nearly 5,000 patients are currently on the waiting list for heart surgery at the Colombo National Hospital, and some may have to wait up to four years for their operation, Chairman of the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Chairman Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.
Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake has announced that CCTV systems will be made mandatory for school transport vans, as part of a broader effort to improve safety and discipline in public transport. Addressing Parliament today, he stated that harassment against women and children in transport settings has increased, and that the government is taking steps to minimize such incidents. He further revealed that a set of guidelines for school and office transport services will be introduced starting in January. “The only real solution is to empower passengers. If anyone attempts to harass a woman or a child, we need people…
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) is in assessment of the current hike of global fuel prices, triggered by multiple factors including sanctions on Russia, an official said.