Survivors and relatives of victims of the 1989 Valvettithurai massacre have submitted a detailed reparations claim to the Sri Lankan Office for Reparations, seeking USD $15 million (approximately LKR 4.5 billion) in compensation for the mass killing and destruction carried out by the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) 36 years ago. The claim, filed by the Citizens’ Committee of Valvettithurai, is the first to seek reparations for a mass atrocity committed by a foreign military on Sri Lankan soil. It is reported that at least 66 civilians were killed and 34 injured during a three-day rampage from August 2 to…
The Sri Lankan Report
Motorists in the Southern Province can now pay traffic spot fines online through the government’s GovPay digital payment platform, beginning today. According to the Police Department, the initiative follows the successful implementation of the system in the Western Province earlier this year. The GovPay platform enables vehicle owners to settle spot fines digitally, eliminating the need to visit police stations or post offices. Officials said the expansion aims to promote transparency, reduce delays in fine payments, and encourage the use of digital services in public administration. The online fine payment feature is accessible via the official GovPay portal, where users…
A 27-year-old resident of Colombo 14 has been arrested with 9 kilograms and 555 grams of Kush during a raid conducted by the Colombo Crime Division. Police said the raid was carried out near the Sirimuthu Uyana Housing Complex in the Grandpass police division on the afternoon of October 19, 2025. The suspect was taken into custody along with the stock of narcotics, and further investigations are being conducted by the Colombo Crime Division. (Newswire) The post Suspect arrested in Colombo with 9 kg of Kush appeared first on Newswire.
A 23-year-old resident of Kalpitiya has been arrested by the Vavuniya Divisional Crime Investigation Unit for transporting 359,000 drug tablets concealed inside a stock of goods unfit for human consumption. Police said the arrest was made following a tip-off received by the unit. The suspect had reportedly been moving the consignment through the Vavuniya area when officers intercepted the vehicle. The tablets, suspected to be controlled or illegal substances, were seized as evidence. The Vavuniya Divisional Crime Investigation Unit is conducting further investigations. (Newswire) The post Suspect arrested with 359,000 illicit drug tablets appeared first on Newswire.
A cargo plane skidded off the runway and into the sea at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) early Monday, killing two airport staff in a vehicle it struck and pushed into the water. The Boeing aircraft, operated by Turkish cargo carrier ACT Airlines, went off course on arrival from Dubai around 3:50 a.m. local time, officials said, breaking in two as it came off the runway. “Unfortunately, an airport security patrol car was there at that time. The aircraft collided with the patrol car and pushed the car into the sea,” said Steven Yiu, HKIA’s Executive Director of Airport Operations.…
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his Deepavali message, extended wishes to the Hindu community in Sri Lanka and abroad, highlighting the festival as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil. Marking the religious significance of Lord Vishnu’s defeat of Narakasura, the President expressed hope that the light of Deepavali would dispel darkness and promote righteousness. He said the government’s commitment to tackling organized crime, drug abuse, and extremism while safeguarding the rights and well-being of all citizens and residents. Calling for unity in building a safe and just nation, the President concluded with a wish for a radiant…
A low-level atmospheric disturbance has developed over the south east of the Island. Showers or thundershowers will occur at most parts of the island. Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-western, Southern and Northern provinces. Therefore, general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by heavy rain, strong winds and severe lightning during thundershower. The post Low-level atmospheric disturbance : Heavy rain alert issued appeared first on Newswire.
A low-level atmospheric disturbance has developed southeast of Sri Lanka, the Department of Meteorology said, with a weather advisory issued for several provinces and surrounding sea areas. According to the advisory, showers or thundershowers are expected across most parts of the island. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-western, Southern and Northern provinces. The public is urged to take necessary precautions against potential impacts from heavy rain, strong winds and severe lightning, particularly during thunderstorms. Naval and fishing communities operating in both shallow and deep sea areas southeast of the island are advised…
The Israeli military said it launched air strikes and artillery fire at targets in southern Gaza on Sunday, dimming hopes that a U.S.-mediated ceasefire would lead to lasting peace as Israel traded blame with Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The Railways Department has announced the cancellation of the night mail trains from Colombo Fort to Badulla and from Badulla to Colombo Fort following a train derailment near Ihala Kotte Railway Station earlier today.
All train operations on the Main Line have been restricted to Rambukkana Railway Station, the Railways Department said today.
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati on Sunday reported a theft at the Louvre in Paris as the world-renowned museum said it was closing for the day.
Police in Nuwara Eliya have arrested 31 individuals, aged 18 to 35, from various parts of the island, on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs during the long weekend, police said.
England win a thriller against India and become the third team, after Australia and South Africa, to qualify for the semi finals. The post ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 – Points Table appeared first on Newswire.
Sri Lanka Railways announced that several upcountry train services scheduled for Monday morning have been cancelled due to a derailment at Ihala Kotte. The cancelled trains include the Podi Menike from Colombo Fort to Badulla at 5.55 a.m., the Intercity Express from Fort to Kandy at 7.00 a.m., the Udarata Menike from Fort to Badulla at 8.30 a.m., and the Express Train from Fort to Badulla at 9.45 a.m. Railway officials said restoration work is underway to clear the affected section and resume normal operations. The post Several Monday morning train services cancelled – SL Railways appeared first on Newswire.
An intercity express train traveling from Kandy to Colombo Fort at 3:00 pm derailed near Ihala Kotte Railway Station today, the Railways Department said.
An Air China flight turned into a scene of panic on Saturday when a lithium battery packed inside a passenger’s hand luggage suddenly caught fire mid-air. Flight CA139, which was travelling from Hangzhou to Seoul, had to make an emergency diversion to Shanghai-Pudong Airport after thick smoke began billowing from the overhead compartment.
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has announced that a police report will be mandatory for anyone seeking party nominations in the upcoming elections, to verify whether candidates have any involvement in drug-related or organized crime activities.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Hon. Saroja Savithri Paulraj has emphasized the need for stronger ground-level engagement to improve the lives of women and children in Sri Lanka, stating, “We must become even more active on the ground for the betterment of women and children in our country.”
Fresh CCTV footage has surfaced a week after an incident at the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court, appearing to show a police constable assaulting a lawyer within the court premises. Senior lawyer Gunaratne Wanninayake, who has confirmed the footage is genuine, said the video clearly shows the moment a police officer attacked a junior lawyer following a verbal exchange over a parking dispute. The altercation occurred on October 10 when the lawyer reportedly confronted a constable over a prison bus blocking the entrance to the court compound. The newly released footage, which circulated widely on social media this week, appears to…