News Room : Israel destroys second high-rise as assault on Gaza City intensifies
The Israeli military has destroyed a high-rise block in Gaza City, the second major tower it has targeted in as many days. Defence Minister Israel Katz posted video of the building collapsing on X, with the caption: “We’re continuing”. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which has been expanding operations in Gaza, said the Sussi Tower was being used by Hamas –...
News Room : Endless tragedies – The Island
Seldom does a day pass in this country without shooting incidents or fatal accidents making headlines. On Thursday night, a bus toppled down a precipice near the famous Ravana Falls on the Ella-Wellawaya road, killing 15 passengers and injuring about dozen others. Some of the injured were in a critical condition in the Badulla hospital. The ill-fated vehicle was...
News Room : Padme’s Meth Lab Chemicals: Fmr SLPP PS Member Arrested
Former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Angunukolapelessa Pradeshiya Sabha member Piyal Manamperi has been arrested in connection with the recent recovery of chemicals allegedly used to manufacture ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine) at Middeniya, police said. An investigation has been launched to determine how containers of chemicals used in the production of crystal methamphetamine (ice) in Sri Lanka, reportedly for a facility...
News Room : Shasheendra Rajapaksa Admitted to Prison Hospital
Former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa, who remains in remand custody, has been admitted to the Prison Hospital, the Prisons Department confirmed. On 29 August, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court further remanded Rajapaksa until 12 September, rejecting a bail application filed on his behalf. Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama ordered that he remain in custody until the specified date. Rajapaksa was arrested...
News Room : UK Deputy PM Resigns Over Underpaid Property Tax
British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned on Friday after saying she deeply regretted her mistake of underpaying property tax on a new home, in a damaging blow for her boss, Prime Minister Keir Starmer. After Britain’s independent adviser ruled that she had breached the ministerial code by failing to pay the correct tax, there was little Starmer could do...
News Room : Ella Bus Tragedy: Passenger and Conductor Recall Panic as Vehicle Goes Out of Control
One of the survivors of the horrific Ella bus accident shared his harrowing experience with the media. “Near a bend in Ella, someone said the brakes were not working. I was sitting on the bonnet, talking with others. The driver said it, and then the conductor laughed. Then those sitting below also laughed. Someone sitting on the other side also...
News Room : Interim Order Issued on Case Against Ravi Seneviratne
The Court of Appeal has issued an interim order halting the trial against Defence Ministry Secretary and retired SDIG Ravi Seneviratne, which was being heard before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court. Seneviratne faces charges including driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to prevent a road accident in 2023. The order was issued after considering a petition filed by Seneviratne...
News Room : Cabinet Approves Closure of 33 Non-Operational SOEs
The Cabinet has approved the formal closure of 33 state-owned enterprises that are currently non-operational. These enterprises, established in the past to provide public services and promote strategic economic activities, no longer align with their original objectives and fail to meet current market demands. Many have become inactive due to practical irrelevance, poor financial performance, or inefficiency. Rather than continuing...
News Room : Government Postpones 18% VAT on Non-Resident Digital Services
The Cabinet has granted approval to postpone the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) on digital services supplied by non-resident providers. Originally, under the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act No. 4 of 2025, VAT on digital services provided by non-residents was scheduled to take effect from 1 October 2025. However, several practical considerations were raised by non-resident digital service providers,...
News Room : Actress–Teacher’s Emotional Tribute to Students Goes Viral After Scholarship Results
With the release of the 2025 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination results, a heartfelt video shared by teacher and actress Lochana Isurindi has captured widespread attention on social media. In her message, Lochana reflected on the journey of five students she taught over the past three years, expressing her pride in their achievements despite numerous challenges. She shared that her students...