The late Aubrey V. Raymond, the brains behind All Souls Day Celebrations around Colombo Once again, this 2nd of November, All Souls’ Day, A. F. Raymond welcomes the gathering in cemeteries to remember the beloved departed in solemn reflection. The commemoration ceremonies will be held at the General Cemetery Borella and the burial grounds in the greater Colombo area. In the 10th century the Abbot of Cluny, Saint Odilo dedicated a day to honour the dead and pay respect to them. This day, also known as “Commemoration of the Faithful Departed” is named and celebrated in different ways globally. On…
The Sri Lankan Report
The Department of Meteorology has issued an Amber-level Warm Weather Advisory for parts of Sri Lanka, warning of rising temperatures that may cause discomfort and health risks. According to the advisory issued at 3:30 p.m. on November 2 and valid for November 3, 2025, the heat index — the temperature felt on the human body — is expected to increase up to the “Caution level” in several areas of the Eastern Province as well as the Polonnaruwa and Monaragala districts. Residents in these areas are urged to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, such as staying hydrated, wearing light clothing,…
Watch the video where Tim David, the right-handed batter, smashed India’s left-arm spinner, Axar Patel, for a monster 129m six during the third T20I between Australia and India at the Ninja Stadium in Hobart. 129m six by Tim David. pic.twitter.com/WaKLPJIQC4 https://t.co/cVyEzWuVnQ — Zaid ᴷᴷᴿ (@zaidyyy96) November 2, 2025 The post WATCH: Tim David hits 129 meter Six against India appeared first on Newswire.
A total of 303 graduates, including medical officers of health, will be appointed to the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Medical Service tomorrow (3) under the patronage of Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa at the Colombo District Secretariat Auditorium. The Health Ministry said this is the largest recruitment to the Ayurvedic sector since 2018, aimed at strengthening local Ayurvedic healthcare and improving patient services. The new recruits have received comprehensive training under senior Ayurvedic specialists and will be assigned to central government and provincial Ayurvedic hospitals across the country, with particular focus on regions affected by communicable and non-communicable diseases,…
Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, who missed out on selection for the upcoming tour of Pakistan, is expected to captain the Sri Lanka A team at the Rising Asia Cup in Qatar, sources said. Selectors reportedly decided to leave the 21-year-old out of the senior squad as he is unlikely to feature in the playing XI during the Pakistan series. Instead, the move aims to give him more leadership experience and match exposure in the developmental tournament. The Rising Asia Cup will be held in Doha from November 14 to 23, featuring A teams from Test nations and full-strength squads…
The “Ratama Ekata” (A Nation United) national anti-drug operation, launched on October 30, 2025, has led to the arrest of 3,361 suspects in islandwide raids conducted by the Sri Lanka Police within just three days. According to the weekly progress report, 3,370 raids were carried out between October 30 and November 1 under the directives of the IGP. Large quantities of heroin, “ice,” cocaine, cannabis, Kush, Madanamodaka, and Mawa were seized, along with 162,164 cannabis plants. Investigations into illegal assets have begun against six suspects, while 72 have been placed under detention orders. Thirty-eight individuals were referred for rehabilitation as…
A fire broke out at a tyre manufacturing factory in the Horagasmulla area, Divulapitiya, earlier today. According to the Gampaha Fire Brigade, three fire trucks were dispatched to the scene to bring the blaze under control. Firefighters managed to douse the flames after several hours of operation. Several vehicles and equipment inside the factory were destroyed in the incident. No casualties have been reported so far, while authorities are conducting investigations to determine the cause of the fire. (Newswire) The post Massive fire erupts at Divulapitiya tyre factory (Video) appeared first on Newswire.
All preparations are underway to conduct the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, the Department of Examinations said Commissioner General of Examinations said logistical and administrative arrangements have been finalized to ensure the exam is held smoothly across the island. A total of 2,362 examination centers have been established, while officials and supervisors have been appointed and trained for duties. The 2025 A/L examination will be held from November 10 to December 5, covering all major subject streams. Meanwhile, the Department reiterated that all tuition classes, seminars, and workshops related to the examination will be prohibited from midnight on November 4…
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has reminded that all locally manufactured ‘ready-to-serve’ fruit drinks must carry the Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) product certification mark. According to the CAA, imported fruit drinks in the same category require prior approval for sale under the Import Inspection Scheme. The regulation aims to ensure product safety and quality standards for consumers, in line with national food and beverage certification requirements. Consumers can contact the CAA via hotline 1977 for complaints or further information. (Newswire) The post SLS mark mandatory for ready-to-serve fruit drinks – CAA appeared first on Newswire.
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s CBC Finance LTD’s proposed debenture issue of 1.5 billion has been assigned a National Long-Term Rating of ‘BBB+(lka)’ by Fitch Ratings. “The rating reflects our baseline notching for loss severity for this debt class and our expectation of poor recoveries in the event of default,” the ratings agency said. The full statement is reproduced below: Fitch Assigns CBC Finance’s Proposed Subordinated Debt ‘BBB+(lka)’ Rating Fitch Ratings has assigned CBC Finance LTD’s (CBCF, A(lka)/Stable) proposed Sri Lankan rupee-denominated subordinated listed debentures of up to LKR1.5 billion a National Long-Term Rating of ‘BBB+(lka)’. The proposed debentures will carry…
A new hotline, 1995, will be operational from tomorrow to enable the public to report any damage to Sri Lanka’s forests or environment, the Environment Ministry announced. The unit aims to strengthen forest and wildlife protection operations and curb environmental crimes. Information received will be relayed to security forces and officials from the Wildlife or Forest Conservation Departments for immediate action. The centre will also compile and analyze data on environmental crimes to identify high-risk areas and develop strategies for rapid response. The post New hotline to report environmental damage launched appeared first on Newswire.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan marked his 60th birthday on Sunday as fans gathered outside his Mumbai home to celebrate the milestone with music, fireworks, and posters honoring the “King of Bollywood.” The celebration coincided with the announcement of his upcoming action thriller King, directed by Siddharth Anand and co-starring his daughter Suhana Khan. The film’s teaser, released on the same day, offers a glimpse of Khan in a high-octane role, reuniting with the *Pathaan* director for another big-budget production. Born in New Delhi on November 2, 1965, Khan has appeared in more than 80 films over three decades, becoming…
China’s Spring Airlines has sparked online backlash after announcing plans to recruit married women and mothers as flight attendants, calling them “air aunties.” The Shanghai-based budget carrier said the move aims to create more job opportunities for women with “life experience and empathy,” adding that duties and pay are the same as other attendants. Applicants aged 25 to 40, preferably married or with children, are being considered for positions in Shanghai and Lanzhou. The term “air aunties,” which dates back to the 1990s when laid-off textile workers joined the industry, drew criticism for being disrespectful and reinforcing gender stereotypes. The…
Ten people were injured, nine of them critically, in a mass stabbing on a London-bound train on Saturday evening, British police said. The attack occurred aboard a London North Eastern Railway service traveling from Doncaster to King’s Cross. Police said the train was stopped at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire around 7:40 p.m. after reports of multiple stabbings. Armed officers and emergency crews rushed to the scene. Two men were arrested at the station, one after being subdued with a Taser. The incident was declared a major emergency, and counterterrorism officers are assisting with the investigation, though the motive has not…
Twin students of Katukeliyawa Vidyadeepa Maha Vidyalaya in Anuradhapura, Sasiru Nimnal and Ramiru Nimnath, have been recognized by the Ministry of Science and Technology for developing a robot powered by artificial intelligence technology. The felicitation ceremony took place at the Ministry, under the patronage of Science and Technology Minister Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena. Representatives from the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies, the Inventors’ Commission, and the National Innovation Agency participated in the event and pledged technical guidance and institutional support for the continued development of the students’ AI-based robot. The Ministry’s Secretary, Mohamed Navavi, along with officials, educators, and…
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has decided to launch a broad inquiry into the assets of senior officers in the Police and the tri-forces, the state owned Silumina newspaper reported. According to the report, the initial phase will involve reviewing the asset declarations and records of top-ranking officials in the Police, Army, Navy and Air Force, before expanding the investigation to lower-ranking officers. CIABOC is also planning to examine the asset files of officers attached to the Prisons Department, Sri Lanka Customs, and the Department of Immigration and Emigration at a later stage. Given the…
A multi-day fishing trawler intercepted by the Sri Lanka Navy in deep sea waters off the western coast has been brought to the Dikkowita Harbour for further inspection. According to the Navy, the vessel was seized on suspicion of carrying narcotics. Subsequent investigations revealed that over 350 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’) and heroin, valued at around Rs. 5 billion, were found on board. Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara, confirmed the discovery and said the operation was part of the Navy’s intensified maritime surveillance efforts targeting large-scale drug trafficking networks. (Newswire) The post Massive mid-sea drug…
Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation of Sri Lanka Anura Karunathilake attended the India Maritime Week 2025 (IMW) organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India from 27-31 October 2025 in Mumbai, India. Speaking at the IMW ministerial plenary session, Minister Karunathilake observed that oceans are the bridges that connect civilizations and cultures, and the maritime industry is a lifeline of trade, energy, and connectivity, central to collective economic growth. Commending India’s Sagarmala programme and the Maritime India Vision 2030, he noted that they present a framework for regional collaboration to strengthen trade, connectivity, and shared prosperity…
A vehicle was completely destroyed in a fire that broke out at Thummulla Junction in Colombo last night. Video footage circulating online shows the Colombo Fire Brigade attempting to douse the flames as the vehicle was engulfed in fire. The post Vehicle gutted in midnight fire at Thummulla Junction appeared first on Newswire.
4 people were killed and several others injured in separate road accidents reported from Nittambuwa, Thalawa, Hettipola, and Puttalam on Saturday (Nov. 1), Police said. In Nittambuwa, a 61-year-old woman died after being struck by a motorcycle while crossing the Colombo–Kandy Road at Thihariya. The motorcyclist was admitted to the Wathupitiwala Hospital with injuries. In Thalawa, a 29-year-old motorcyclist was killed when his bike collided head-on with a tractor at Nawahanguranketha Junction along the 419 Village Road. Two others, including a child travelling in the tractor, were injured and admitted to the Anuradhapura Hospital. In Hettipola, a 23-year-old man from…