JJan 4 (EN) Sri Lanka Police is in the process of bringing back criminals who are living in other countries in a move to curb crimes, newly appointed Police Spokesman K.B. Manathunga said. “We have started a gradual process to tackle crime in the country. We are also in the process of bringing back criminals who are in foreign countries. We are in the process of issuing red notices and using bilateral agreements for this,” more..

Jan 4 (EN) A 10 member committee has been appointed to study the newly passed SL Electricity Act, following a cabinet decision to review the law, state-run Ceylon Electricity Board said. The 10 member committee has been appointed by the Ministry of Energy, “for a comprehensive review towards the amendment of the SL Electricity Act and to submit the recommendations within one month period”. Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy will chair and more..

Jan 4 (ST) The private bus that crashed into a precipice in Malliappuwa in Hatton on Dec 21 killing three including a 14-year-old boy has stirred a debate yet again about reckless drivers and unlawfully modified buses. Seven passengers were seriously hurt and 43 suffered minor injuries after the driver appeared to lose control, as seen in a brief CCTV clip. He is suspected to have been speeding on a winding road. The driver’s-side door did not have a lock as observed by more..

Jan 4 (NW) A local newspaper owned by a MP has received a stern warning from the Govt, over false news reports published recently regarding the govt’s Clean Sri Lanka national programme. Addressing the media today, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said unethical media practices will not be allowed. He said while protecting freedom of expression, the govt is vested with powers to to initiate action against such continuous more..

Jan 4 (Isalnd) Amajor reshuffle of senior officers is on the cards in the Police Department and some high rankers are to be transferred, according to sources. The changes are expected to affect Senior DGs, DIGs, and several senior superintendents of police across various divisions. SDIGs responsible for administrative regions, including the Western, North Western, Eastern, Southern, Uva, and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, are among those to be transferred. more..

Jan 4 (DN) Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit stated that it is closely monitoring reports of a virus outbreak in China. Information regarding this situation has been received yesterday (3) and further details will be shared with the media following a thorough investigation sources said. Reports from international media indicate that several viruses are currently spreading in China, five years after the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the diseases spreading is the Human Metapneumovirus more..

Jan 4 (CT) Aircraft Owners’ and Operators’ Association of SL (AO&OASL) has issued a dire warning to the Government and the Civil Aviation Authority of SL (CAASL), regarding a safety hazard at Ratmalana International Airport, cautioning that the airport’s boundary wall could lead to a tragedy similar to South Korea’s Jeju Air disaster, which claimed 179 lives at Muan Int'l Airport. The Association recommended removing this unnecessary risk factor and replacing it with more..

Jan 4 (FT) The Embassy of SL in Riyadh under the Economic Diplomacy Initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of SL successfully organised a trade, investment, and tourism promotion forum at Ashqariya Chamber of Commerce in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia on 18 Dec 2024. The forum was followed by a catalogue exhibition showcasing SL’s export products and services as well as investment opportunities and places of tourist attractions to Saudi market. more..

Jan 4 (FT) Inland Revenue Dept (IRD) announced that it has achieved the highest-ever tax revenue in 2024, collecting Rs. 1.95 trillion. The record-breaking figure represents a 25.1% increase from the Rs. 1.56 trillion collected in 2023, highlighting significant growth in various tax categories. Income tax collection reaches Rs. 1,023 billion in 2024, marking an increase of Rs. 112.1 billion compared to the previous year. more..

Jan 4 (ST) A process to replace the central storage server that broke down at the Govt Analyst Department’s digital forensic laboratory a few months ago has begun. “The central server broke down three months ago because it was a very old system that we received in 2016 through a donation from KOICA” said Sandya Rajapaksha, the govt analyst. She said that tenders have been called for a new server. “Once the process is complete, we will be able to extract the data from the server,” more..

Jan 4 (NW) The office of the Foreign Minister has issued a statement on delays in appointing High Commissioners and Ambassadors to overseas missions, citing procedural and diplomatic requirements. The explanation comes after envoys from 15 countries were recalled following the formation of the new administration in November, leaving key diplomatic positions vacant. These vacancies require a systematic appointment process that includes obtaining agreement from more..

Jan 4 (NW) NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa has recorded a statement with the FCID over statements made regarding the wealth of former MP Basil Rajapaksa in the USA.Speaking to the media, former MP Weerawansa said he had recorded a statement over comments made many years ago regarding the wealth of Basil Rajapaksa and his family members. Wimal Weerawansa said that written information regarding his comments had been handed over to the Police. more..

Jan 4 (NW) Colombo High Court extended the suspension on 16 fixed deposit accounts and 03 life insurance policies belonging to the family members of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. The Court extended the suspension until 02 April 2025, following a request by the CIABOC. In June 2024, the Bribery Commission issued an order to freeze the accounts for seven days over suspicious transactions. In July, the Bribery Commission took measures to seize fixed deposit accounts more..

Jan 4 (ST) Sri Lanka recently rescued 32 citizens from cyber-scam complexes in Myanmar, but 14 remain trapped, underscoring the need for stronger anti-trafficking measures and for creating greater awareness of risks. They had all been lured with promises of lucrative employment abroad and ended up in cyber-scam operations in Myanmar, where they were forced to participate in fraudulent activities under threat of violence. more..

Jan 4 (FT) The flagship gem and jewellery exposition FACETS Sri Lanka in its 31st edition will kick off today (4) under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. Organised by the SL Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) – in partnership with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), is slated to be held till 6 January aims to make a bigger impact. Gracing the New Year, FACETS 2025 has become a highly anticipated event within the industry, more..

Jan 4 (FT) Govt is prioritising energy sector reform with a focus on reducing the country’s notoriously high energy costs and expanding renewable energy capacity. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody underscored these ambitions during a meeting with investors recently at the Ministry where progress and challenges related to medium and large scale renewable energy projects were discussed. “We are a country with the highest energy costs in the region and the Govt’s aim is to change that situation more..

Jan 4 (FT) Prices and sales of condominium property in the third quarter of 2024 had declined though enjoying increases year on year as per a survey and real estate market analysis done by the Central Bank. It said the Price Index for New Condominiums within the Colombo district stood at 235.7 during the 2024 Q3, recording a year-on-year increase of 17.8%, as per the information collected through Condominium Market Survey more..

Jan 4 (AD) Acting IGP, Priyantha Weerasooriya, has directed all police stations to initiate special traffic operations across every police division, effective from yesterday (2) and continuing until further notice, to enhance traffic control and ensure road safety while protecting lives on the roads. This initiative is part of the broader Clean Sri Lanka project, implemented under the new govet’s policy, A Thriving Nation - A Beautiful Life. The directive emphasizes particular attention more..

Jan 4 (NW) Former Millaniya Local Councillor Raveendra Namunni, who was arrested for making defamatory statements on social media about NPP Kalutara District MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi, has been granted bail. The Colombo Magistrate’s Court released Raveendra Namunni on a Rs. 500,000 surety today. SLPP member was arrested by officials from the CID this morning. Govt MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi had filed a complaint with the CID through her lawyer on Tuesday, seeking more..

Jan 4 (DM) Sri Lanka has secured the 33rd spot globally for its ease of obtaining visas, a key element bolstering Colombo’s reputation as a top destination in South Asia and the country’s competitiveness as a tourist destination, according to Brand Finance. “The introduction of visa-free entry for nationals from 35 countries may have significantly boosted the city’s appeal, making it one of the easiest South Asian cities to visit,” Brand Finance noted in a recent press release. more..

Jan 4 (FT) Pioneering business magazine LMD has announced that its Sri Lankan Of The Year (SLOTY) for 2024 is the Central Bank of SL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe. LMD says, “The tough task of reviving a severely depleted economy began in earnest under Dr. Weerasinghe’s leadership. He was realistic about the challenges ahead and acknowledged that the crisis would not be resolved promptly. Weerasinghe didn’t sugar-coat the situation, & candidly predicted that hardships more..

Jan 4 (DM) “There is still no basis to consider them as refugees yet. For now, this is regarded as a case of human trafficking. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in contact with the Myanmar govt, and the list of names has already been shared with them. We will follow the legal process, engage in discussions with the Myanmar govt, and, at this point, are considering deporting them. Until then, they will be held in Mullaitivu more..

Jan 4 (FT) Not surprisingly, civilians place a lot of faith in the govt to improve their living conditions. These expectations encompass multiple aspects, ranging from basic needs to more luxurious desires for a better life. Govts have, of course, played a major role in the development journeys of countries that have already achieved advanced economic status, and that role will be critical for economies aiming to follow their path. We often hear grand promises from politicians on stages more..

Jan 4 (Island) Govt has announced new restrictions on marketing food and beverages for children under the Food (Labelling & Advertising) Regulations 2022. A long-felt need has been fulfilled, but much more remains to be done, given the increasing incidence of obesity, diabetes, etc, among children. Food and beverage manufacturers stand accused of using excessive levels of sugar, salt, oil and food additives to catch them young. The CCC, has welcomed the new restrictions at issue. more..

Jan 4 (CT) Call it a cry in the wilderness or an arrogant expression of impotent rage, for two senior ministers to have come down heavily on the nation’s bureaucracy almost at the same time is not generally on. Yet, it is also generally expected with every change of govt, if especially the political leadership from top to bottom is new to the job and does not trust the institutional wisdom, inherited hierarchy and impossible situations in everyday duties. Agriculture Minister K.D. Lalkantha and more..

Jan 4 (CT) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated the dawn of the New Year marks the beginning of a new political culture in SL, as he inaugurated the Clean Sri Lanka programme at the Prez Secretariat in Colombo. The programme aims to create a cleaner physical environment and a nationwide moral commitment to enhance ethical principles. The strategic plan has identified three key areas of focus – enhancement of sustainability and economic and social governance – to address more..

Jan 4 (CT) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the success of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative depends solely on the active participation of the public. Prez made these remarks on 1 Jan 2025 at an event held at the Presidential Secretariat to inaugurate the Clean Sri Lanka programme. The event was attended by members of the Maha Sangha, religious leaders, ministers, ambassadors, athletes, representatives from various sectors more..

Jan 4 (FT) “You have the complete right to convince any truth as a lie and any lie as a truth. That is your democratic right. You have the right to see the negative side when the govt is doing something good. And also, you have the right to praise when a leader, govt, institution or an individual is doing something harmful to society” – NPP MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi. Although the MP has perhaps not full well explained the context of her statement, what she and all others should more..

Jan 4 (CT) Encouraged by the Prez address delivered as a Christmas message to the people of SL by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) wishes to reiterate its earlier appeal regarding the urgent need for fundamental reforms in SL’s justice system. AHRC appreciates the clarity with which the Prez has understood and expressed the gravity of the situation, particularly the complete collapse of the justice system in recent decades. more..

Jan 4 (DM) Nowadays the 33 year long war between the armed forces of SL and LTTE is slowly receding into memory. The LTTE, known generally as the tigers, was formed officially on May 5th 1976. After three decades of conflict, the LTTE met its waterloo by the waters of Nandikadal Lagoon on May 18th 2009. The war waged against the SL state by the Veluppilai Prabhakaran-led LTTE is an important and integral part of Sri Lanka’s more..

Jan 4 (DM) On 1st Jan, at the launch of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, Prez Dissanayake did something our past presidents have seldom done. He drew public attention to the weaknesses in our system of administration. In a way he is saying mea culpa and seeking public help to correct the same. He promised to abolish practices such as nepotism, abuse of power against the people, and the creation of a political elite that prioritises personal interests over the public good. more..

Jan 4 (DM) How many of the 22 million people of this country might have had the interest to listen to the speech delivered by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake during the launch of his Clean Sri Lanka project on Jan 1? He, during this speech stated that this was a project that has to be implemented by the people guided by the govt. Yet, how many of them were convinced that he/she is a part of the project? Similarly, how many individuals in the country would have agreed to play more..