Thailand to reduce visa-free stay period for tourists
Thailand’s cabinet has approved a drastic reduction to its visa-free entry scheme for tourists from more than 90 countries. The decision, issued on Tuesday, shifts the country away from a sweeping 60-day visa exemption introduced in July 2024 to stimulate…
Castle Street Hospital rejects claims of gender-change procedures on children
Castle Street Hospital for Women has rejected social media claims that it is performing gender-change procedures on children. The clarification was issued by Hospital Director Dr. Ajith Danthanarayana in a letter addressed to the Director General of Health Services. The…
Secret TV & Radio Station Busted Near Ratmalana Airport; Foreign Nationals Arrested
Police have raided an alleged illegal television and radio transmission centre operating secretly inside a high-security zone near the Ratmalana International Airport. Two suspects, including a Maldivian national, were arrested during the raid carried out by the Mount Lavinia Divisional…
Govt takes diplomatic steps after Sri Lankan in Gaza flotilla intercepted by Israel
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Sri Lankan national Sameera Mehboobdeen, who was among the participants of the Gaza‑bound Global Sumud Flotilla reportedly intercepted by Israeli authorities. Deputy Foreign Minister Arun…
Chilaw Court ruling gives hope to public servants, say NPP lawyers
President’s Counsel and attorney Upul Kumarapperuma says a recent court ruling linked to a former minister Sanath Nishantha’s brother marks an important moment in reinforcing the rule of law, while attorney Akalanka Ukwatta says unlawful political interference that was once…
Akuregoda lawyer double murder : Police seek public help to arrest suspect
Sri Lanka Police have sought public assistance to arrest a suspect wanted in connection with the double murder of an attorney‑at‑law and his wife, who were shot dead at the car park of a supermarket in Akuregoda, Talangama, on February…
No political figures invited to war heroes ceremony – Minister Vijitha Herath
Minister Vijitha Herath informed the media that no political figures have been invited for the War Heroes Day Ceremony held in Battaramulla today. He made the statement in response to questions on why former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had not been…
Collective says child at centre of case must receive protection and support
A collective statement has called for a fair and independent investigation into the serious abuse allegations against Anuradhapura Atamasthanadhipathi Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, stressing that the upcoming hearing on May 22 is not merely about one individual but a test of…
Rs. 10,000 monthly allowance for children of migrant workers in daycare
Children of migrant workers enrolled in daycare centres will receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 10,000 under a new programme being introduced by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, officials informed the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Women and Child…
WHO recognises Sri Lanka for progress on HIV, Syphilis prevention
Sri Lanka has received special recognition from the World Health Organization for maintaining the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis as a public health concern, in line with international standards and global advisory recommendations. The recognition was awarded…