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Home » NewsLanka’s Kalu shows peace is universal
As if to emphasise that peace is universal and transcends species, a Sri Lankan community dog (right) wandered into the US-based monks’ peace march in Colombo on Friday, instantly gaining celebrity status. This happened just as Aloka (left), the official “peace dog” mascot, was briefly taken off the road for a rest. The local dog, [...]
Treasury cyber heist widens; French loan papers missing
Suspicion falls on same group of hackers; Deputy Minister admits official email was compromised By Damith Wickremasekera Documents relating to the repayment of a loan from France have gone missing from the Finance Ministry computer systems and could be linked to the same group of hackers who breached its systems, leading to USD 2.5 million [...]
ASG and senior Army officer clash over Easter Sunday case
By Ranjith Padmasiri A senior military officer expressed dissatisfaction to Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Dileepa Peiris following his statement in open court this week, accusing certain Army officers of obstructing the Easter Sunday attack investigation. The Sunday Times learns that an officer from the Army’s Legal Division had first met the ASG and informed him [...]
Two more coal shipments fail quality test by independent lab
Two more shipments from controversial coal supplier Trident Chemphar have failed, bringing the total number of consignments confirmed to be off-spec by independent accredited laboratory Cotecna to five, official sources said. The total number of shipments ordered from Trident was 25. The 16th is being unloaded now, while ships from a separate, emergency purchase of [...]
CID obtains eight-page statement from Ranil’s wife in four-hour interview
By Ranjith Padmasiri Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detectives have taken down an eight-page statement during a nearly four-hour interview with former First Lady Maithree Wickramasinghe with regard to their probe into former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s UK visit to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Wolverhampton, where she was conferred an honorary professorship. Five [...]
Sri Lanka talks of Smart Villages to support ageing population
By Ishu Bandara As projections by the Department of Census and Statistics show, by 2040, 1 in 4 Lankans, approximately 25% of the population,will be aged 60 or above, the government is prioritising the development of Smart Villages to ensure that elderly citizens remain digitally included and socially engaged. This initiative is part of a [...]
Reform stalls as Sri Lanka delays overdue e-Procurement, key bills
The full rollout of Sri Lanka’s long overdue e-Government Procurement (e-GP) is further delayed, according to the latest Governance Action Plan (GAP). Separately, the State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) Bill – which was meant to be passed by December last year – is now expected to be presented to Cabinet later this month, with the formation of [...]
Mahanayake’s in “Joint Declaration for Peace” at Gangaramaya today
A ceremony to mark a “Joint Declaration for Peace” by the Most Venerable Mahanayake Theras of the Three Nikayas of Sri Lanka will be held at the Seema Malakaya, of theGangaramaya Temple, Colombo, today at 5 p.m. The event has been organised by the Gangaramaya Temple, with the assistance of the Presidential Secretariat. The declaration [...]
Sri Lanka rushes to purchase Russian fuel, coal and fertiliser before US waiver deadline
By Damith Wickremasekara Sri Lanka has decided to purchase oil, gas, coal and fertiliser on a government-to-government basis from Russia, making use of a waiver given by the US Treasury until May 16, permitting fuel transactions. Accordingly, instructions have gone to Sri Lanka’s embassy in Russia to expedite negotiations with the relevant companies to place [...]
Coal inquiry commission set-up; will ask public for info
By Ranjith Padmasiri The Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to probe whether any irregularities or unlawful acts had occurred during coal procurement purchases is planning to invite the public to provide information related to its investigation from next week. The commission is due to move into its newly established office at the Aluthkade MCC [...]
Two forests designated as living charters for global environmental peace
Two forests have been dedicated in honour of the ‘Walk for Peace’. The two forests Nugagaha Mulayaya Forest in the Matale District and Padavigampola Forest in the Kegalle District have been designated as living charters for global environmental peace by the Environment Ministry. Through this initiative Sri Lanka hopes to spread a worldwide message about [...]
Environment Act to be amended, CEA to get more powers
The government plans to amend the National Environment Act to address current legal and institutional issues and give more powers to the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). The draft National Environment (Amended) Act, which has got Cabinet approval, has been published in the government gazette prior to its being presented to parliament. The amendments to the [...]
Arabian Sea fishing: Lankan vessels told to obtain Maldives’ permission before crossing EEZ
By S. Rubatheesan Multi-day vessels of Sri Lankan fishermen that access the Arabian Sea via the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will henceforth be required to secure permits prior to entering its waters, according to a new procedure introduced by the Male government. Susantha Kahawatte, Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, [...]
Sagarika goes off track again while on its way to Colombo
The Sagarika Express train which derailed on Friday had a second mishap while being brought to Colombo last evening. The incident occurred shortly after it had passed the Kopannavidiya railway station The train had derailed and gone about 300 metres along the track, causing damages to the concrete sleepers. Several residents living in the houses [...]
Monks spread mindfulness message in long, challenging walk
By Kasun Warakapitiya A message of peace and compassion reached the hearts of people of Sri Lanka when a delegation of monks led by Ven. Pannakara Thera began a much-anticipated walk in Sri Lanka. The monks who arrived in Sri Lanka from the United States along with peace dog “Aloka” are spreading the word of [...]
Shadowy websites trip up bank customers
By Nidarshani Wickramasinghe Nearly 500 complaints related to online fraud, including financial scams, have been reported to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) so far this year. According to these reports, 95% of these incidents occur due to user error. Senior Information Security Engineer at SLCERT, Charuka Damunupola, explained: “This is like a [...]
One Sri Lankan among crew onboard oil tanker seized by pirates
Pirates have hijacked an oil tanker sailing near the Somali coast with 17 crew, including a Sri Lankan, according to multiple security officials, the BBC has reported. The ship, Honour 25, was overrun late on Wednesday by six gunmen when it was about 30 nautical miles offshore, the officials were quoted. It was carrying 18,500 [...]
Herath and Iranian FM discuss bilateral ties; Araghchi thanks Sri Lanka for sailor rescue in phone call
Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath held a telephone conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday. During the call, Mr. Araghchi had expressed gratitude for the Sri Lankan government’s rescue and recovery efforts regarding the INIS Dena sailors, as well as its assistance in repatriating the remains of those killed when the ship sank. [...]
Dept. for Registration of Persons warns public of phone numbers being used by fraudsters
The Department for Registration of Persons has warned the public to be vigilant of a financial fraud being carried out by individuals posing as its officials. In a statement, the department said that a group of unscrupulous persons was using its hotline number, 0115226126, to obtain personal information of individuals to commit financial fraud. The [...]
Bright and white, Maradana station gets fresh look in phase 1 of renovation project
The first phase of the renovation of the Maradana Railway Station has been completed and was opened to the public by Minister Bimal Rathnayake yesterday. The first phase included the refurbishment of the main building, improvements to sanitary facilities on platforms 5 and 6, and landscaping of the vicinity. Rs. 35 million was spent on [...]
Cabraal reneges on discharge terms; CIABOC to file fresh case
By Ranjith Padmasiri The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has decided to file a fresh indictment against former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal in the Colombo High Court. The decision to file a fresh indictment against Mr Cabraal was taken after he did not meet the conditions that led him [...]
Easter attacks: State alleges probe sabotage; Salley granted time for statement
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Fort Magistrate’s Court this week of the progress in the probe into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Investigators said they are continuing the inquiry despite several challenges, including intimidation of witnesses. When the case involving the former State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief, Maj Gen. (retired) Suresh Salley, was [...]
Galu Kumari unable to run until Sagarika mess cleared: Railways Dept
By Rekha Tharangani Fonseka More than 200 workers have been deployed to restore the southern railway track damaged near the Wadduwa railway station following a train derailment, with expectations that the track would be ready for operations by Monday morning. At least 300 meters of the track has been affected with extensive damages to some [...]
WWCT conducts awareness campaign on leopard attacks in Peradeniya
An awareness campaign is underway in the area around University of Peradeniya regarding the threat posed by leopards in the area and the safety measures that can be taken. Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust is carrying out the programme, co-founder and Lead Researcher of the NGO Dr Andrew Kittle said. A leopard had taken a [...]
Disparate opposition desperate for a rallying cry
Political parties and trade unions have come out with mixed plans for May Day celebrations, as the international workers’ day coincides with Vesak Poya Day. Some political parties and unions have curtailed events, but other opposition parties are eager to use the opportunity to expose government shortcomings, failed promises and corruption. The ruling National People’s [...]
Fatal road accidents and drowning continue to mar holiday season
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year season was overshadowed by fatal road accidents and drowning incidents across the country. Road collisions resulted in over 40 deaths and more than 30 people died from drowning between April 12 and 21, authorities said. According to police reports, motorcycles were involved in the highest number of fatal crashes, [...]
Visitors to waterfall down to a trickle
Pix and text by Palitha Ariyawanasa A sharp decline in both local and foreign tourist arrivals at Dunhinda Falls has left more than 45 families dependent on the site struggling to make ends meet, with vendors citing economic pressures, global instability and poor infrastructure as key causes. Once a major attraction in Badulla, the scenic [...]
Nuwara Eliya’s blooms come alive once again, official calls for more tourist attractions
Pix and text by Shelton Hettiaarachchi The annual flower show organised by the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, one of the main highlights of the spring festival, was once again a treat for the eyes. The Nuwara Eliya spring festival has become a regular event on the annual calendar of local tourists in Sri Lanka, and [...]
Met Dept in cloud nine; Doppler radar ready by next year
Pix and text by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe The Japan-funded project to instal a Doppler radar system in Puttalam is progressing rapidly. Authorities expect the hi-tech system to be operational by 2027. Meteorological Department officials explained that the radar will cover a 450-kilometre radius and provide detailed information on weather patterns within that range. They noted [...]
Shanuka, first Lankan scout to win Japan’s Wood Badge
By L.B. Senaratne Shanuka Karunaratne has become the first Sri Lankan scout to receive the prestigious international Wood Badge, awarded by Japan following a rigorous training course. A former scout at Kingswood College, Karunaratne was presented with the badge at the Scout Administrative Board and Training Centre in Hyogo Prefecture. The programme, conducted by the [...]
In Bangladesh, even if dormant, the RTI Act’s promise remains powerful with lessons from Sri Lanka, India
By Dr Shamsul Bari and Ruhi Naz As the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2009 remains effectively dormant in Bangladesh, RTI advocates must now rely on the new government’s resolve to operationalise it. The law has been inoperative due to the absence of information commissioners since the interim government assumed power in August 2024 following [...]
Indian VP Radhakrishanan visits beneficiaries of housing project in Ragala, Nuwara Eliya
Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishanan who was on a two day visit to Sri Lanka visited houses constructed under the Indian Housing Project (IHP) at the Liddlesdale Estate at Ragala in the Nuwara Eliya district There he interacted with families of beneficiaries and visited the village in which 166 houses have been constructed under IHP [...]
Ditwah sand removal endangers Puttalam bridge; villagers blame officials
Pix and text by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe Residents of a village in Puttalam are up in arms, accusing the Irrigation Department and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) of disregarding environmental concerns and endangering lives by permitting sand removal on both sides of a vital bridge. Villagers say reckless sand mining is taking place [...]
Green light for special number plates at Rs 1 million; backlog to be cleared in three months
The government has given the green light to enable motorists to obtain “special” vehicle registration numbers for a fee of Rs. 1 million, even as lawmakers have raised concerns over long delays in issuing standard number plates and procurement practices. The approval was granted this week by the Committee on Public Finance (COPF), which reviewed [...]
Nayakakanda Good Shepherd Convent: Parents, OGA protest lay principal’s appointment
Question ‘sudden decision’ that breaks with decades-long tradition of religious leadership By Dilushi Wijeisnghe A dispute over the appointment of a new principal at Good Shepherd Convent Nayakakanda in Wattala has escalated into a protest, with alumni and parents demanding that authorities reverse the decision and restore what they describe as a long-standing tradition of [...]
West Asian cargo: War disruptions push up risk premiums; shipping routes reshaped
By Ishu Bandara While the West Asian conflict is expected to settle sooner or later, issues will linger for longer as sea mines reportedly laid by Iran, similar to those used during the Iran-Iraq War, continue to endanger shipping routes, cargo handlers warn. The Sunday Times learnt that global freight forwarding and logistics companies specialising [...]
Rat fever risks rise with rains; hundreds infected in Ratnapura and Colombo
By Sajeniya Sathanandan Health professionals are urging precautions to avoid infection with leptospirosis (Rat fever), as it has the potential to cause an outbreak in the months ahead. Ratnapura has the highest percentage at 12.67%, but other provinces can also be affected because of humidity and the rainy season. Outbreaks can be triggered by monsoonal [...]
Proud moment for Talawakelle as three students qualify to enter Medical Faculty
By P. Kethees A felicitation ceremony was held recently to honour students of Talawakelle Tamil Maha Vidyalayam who successfully passed the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination and are eligible to enter medical faculty. The event was organised by Reshni Thurairaj, an alumna of the school and the Kotagala Medical Officer of Health (MOH). The students [...]
Extreme heat to persist while afternoon thundershowers loom
By Jayanie Madawala The prevailing extreme heat and strong sunlight will continue while rains or thunder showers could occur in the afternoons, especially in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, and Southern Provinces and in Puttalam District, according to the Department of Meteorology. Early morning misty conditions can also be expected in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva [...]
From elephant to whale: Avurudu games get a seaside twist
Pix and text by Thusitha Kumara de Silva. A unique New Year event was organised yesterday (25) at the Diyalagoda beach area in Beruwala by the organisation, ‘Parley Sri Lanka – We Love the Beach.’ As part of the festivities, the traditional game of ‘placing the eye on the elephant’ was given a creative twist [...]