Category: Local News

President Dissanayake calls for unity and justice on Vesak Day

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urges the nation to unite in building a just and compassionate society, inspired by the timeless wisdom of the Buddha.



Maduru Oya helicopter crash: Defence Ministry thanks civilians and rescuers

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence has expressed deep gratitude to local residents, medical teams, and emergency responders for their swift and coordinated efforts following the Bell 212 helicopter crash on May 9, 2025 at the Special Forces Camp in Maduruoya.



President Anura expresses deep sorrow over Kotmale bus accident

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed deep shock and sadness over the tragic bus accident that occurred this morning (May 11) in the Garadi Ella area along the Nuwara Eliya–Gampola main road in Kotmale.



Death toll rises to 21 in Gerandi Ella bus accident

The number of fatalities has risen following a tragic accident in which a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus plunged into a precipice in the Gerandi Ella area of Ramboda this morning (May 11).



Semini Iddamalgoda arrested over financial fraud warrants

Sri Lankan actress Semini Iddamalgoda was taken into custody by the Welikada Police last evening (May 10) in connection with seven outstanding warrants related to financial fraud.



State Vesak Festival begins in Nuwara Eliya under President’s patronage

The State Vesak Festival for the Buddhist Year 2569 officially commenced on Friday (May 10) at the International Buddhist Centre Temple in Nuwara Eliya, under the patronage of the Most Venerable Maha Nayaka Theros of the Three Nikayas, and with the participation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.



Eight dead, over 35 injured in Ramboda bus accident

At least eight people have died after a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus plunged into a precipice in the Garandiella area of Ramboda this morning (May 11).



Hayeshika Fernando wanted for assault

Police have launched an investigation to arrest a popular tuition teacher known as “Teacher Amma,” whose real name is Hayeshika Fernando, over an alleged assault on a young man.



The National Vesak Week begins today

The inaugural ceremony of the National Vesak Week will commence today at 1:30 PM in Nuwara Eliya, under the patronage of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.



Sri Lankan Govt Officer jailed 20 years for soliciting sexual bribe

The Colombo High Court today (May 9) sentenced a Divi Neguma Development Officer to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for soliciting a sexual bribe from a 30-year-old mother of three, in exchange for approving government financial aid for her seven-year-old child’s kidney surgery.



Sri Lanka President congratulates new pope

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has congratulated His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on being elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church.



Six military personnel killed in Maduru Oya helicopter crash

A Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) crashed into the Maduru Oya Reservoir this morning (May 9) during a demonstration.



One injured in shooting incident near temple in Kottawa

One person has reportedly been injured in a shooting incident that occurred this evening (May 8) near a temple in the Malapalla area of Kottawa, police said.



IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon summoned before committee over alleged abuse of power

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has been officially informed to appear before the “Committee of Inquiry to inquire and report its findings on IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power” on May 19, 2025.



EU urges Sri Lanka to align laws with International standards to keep GSP+ trade benefits

The European Union (EU) has reminded Sri Lanka that it must align its domestic laws with international human rights and labour standards to continue enjoying trade benefits under the GSP+ scheme.



World Bank grants Sri Lanka $1 Billion loan

Sri Lanka has been granted a billion-dollar loan to boost its agriculture, tourism and energy sectors, the World Bank said on Wednesday, as the country emerges from an unprecedented economic crisis.