President opens new Somawathi Museum & Research Institute
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared open the newly constructed two-storey building housing the Archaeological Museum and the International Archaeological Research Institute at the historic Somawathi sacred area in Polonnaruwa today. The two-storey building was constructed under the plans and supervision…
Sri Lanka’s birth rate plummets by one-third since 2018
Sri Lanka is witnessing a dramatic drop in births, with official data showing the number of registered live births fell from about 328,400 in 2018 to 220,761 in 2024, recording nearly a 33% decline. The Department of Census and Statistics…
7 arrested with over 5 kg of Hashish, ICE in Matara raids
Seven suspects have been arrested along with 5 kilograms and 600 grams of hashish and ICE (crystal methamphetamine) in Matara, Police said. Police initially arrested a 31-year-old suspect during a raid in Harumalgoda, Habaraduwa, on Sunday, where 3 kilograms and…
India : 3 states ban cough syrup after several children die
Three Indian states have banned a cough syrup after at least nine children died allegedly after consuming it, authorities said. The Indian Health Ministry said in a statement that test samples of Coldrif cough syrup, made by Sresan Pharma in Tamil…
Nepal: Deadly landslides, flash floods kill dozens
Heavy rains in Nepal triggered landslides, lightning, and flash floods killing at least 44 people and leaving five missing, officials said on Sunday. Thirty-seven people died after multiple villages were swept away in the eastern Ilam district bordering India, Nepal’s National Disaster…
Johnston denies appointing Sampath Manamperi as a secretary
Former Minister Johnston Fernando has denied claims that Sampath Manamperi serves as one of his coordinating secretaries, stating that he is prepared to pursue legal action against those spreading false information. Fernando made the remarks during a Sri Lanka Podujana…
At least 20 injured after gunman fires up to 50 bullets in Sydney shooting
A 60-year-old man was arrested Monday in Australia after police said he fired up to 100 bullets at passersby, injuring 20 people in the country’s most populous city. New South Wales police said they were called on Sunday evening to…
Two die after being hit by trains in separate incidents
Two individuals have died in separate train accidents reported on Sunday (Oct 5) in the Mannar and Kadugannawa police divisions. Police said a 32-year-old resident of Pudukudiyiruppu was killed early morning when a train travelling from Talaimannar to Colombo Fort…
Central Bank launches survey on virtual asset service providers
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank has initiated a mandatory survey to gather information on individuals and entities involved in Virtual Asset Service Providing (VASP) activities. The move comes ahead of the country’s third evaluation of its…
Weather today : Showers expected across the island
The Department of Meteorology has forecast showers or thundershowers across most parts of the island after 1 p.m. today. Atmospheric conditions are favourable for evening thunderstorms, and the public is advised to take precautions against strong winds and severe lightning….