News Room : Trump confirms China trip after ‘very good’ call with Xi
Donald Trump has said he will visit China after speaking to its leader Xi Jinping over the phone. The US president said he had reciprocated with an invite to the White House during the “very good talk” – though such a trip has not been confirmed by either side. Thursday’s call is the first time the two leaders have spoken since...
News Room : Govt. threatens to introduce maximum retail price for salt
The government yesterday warned that it would introduce a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for salt within the week if attempts to inflate prices continued.Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said the government’s decision to allow salt imports was solely intended to address the current domestic shortage, and not to facilitate price hikes or profiteering by importers. Speaking at a media briefing, Minister...
News Room : Lose Yourself… in a USD109 Million Lawsuit: Eminem Sues Meta
Eminem’s music publishing company, Eight Mile Style, has filed a massive lawsuit against tech giant Meta, accusing it of copyright infringement for the unauthorised use of over 200 of the rapper’s songs across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Filed this week, the lawsuit alleges that Meta made 243 of Eminem’s songs available in its in-app ‘Music Libraries,’ allowing users to incorporate...
News Room : Woman Sentenced to Prison for Attempting to Sell 2-Day-Old Baby
The Colombo High Court has sentenced a 46-year-old mother of three to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for attempting to sell her two-day-old infant for Rs 75,000. The verdict was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Navaratne Marasinghe. In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a fine of Rs 20,000. The judge also ordered that if the fine is...
News Room : Train Accident Averted Thanks to Civilian’s Quick Thinking at Panadura
A train accident was averted this morning (5) thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of a civilian who risked his life to stop an oncoming train near Panadura railway station. Upon noticing a broken rail track on the coastal line between Panadura and Egoda Uyana, the man immediately removed his T-shirt, waved it above his head, and ran toward...
News Room : Affordable IVF Now a Reality at Sri Lanka’s First Govt-Backed Centre
Giving hope to Sri Lankan couples longing to see the face of a child but unable to afford private sector treatment due to financial constraints, the Faculty of Medicine in Ragama has launched a landmark initiative to provide high-quality fertility treatment at an affordable cost to all Sri Lankans, regardless of economic background. Addressing the media on 2 June at...
News Room : Trade Minister and Rahuman clash over Sathosa tender – The Island
Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekera, during bilateral discussions with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles, thanked the Australian Government for support provided for the armed forces, including continuing a multi-million-dollar fuel grant to the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) since 2022. Australian High Commissioner in Colombo Paul Stephens also joined...
News Room : Alleged Ganemulla Sanjeewa Shooter Not Identified in Court Identification Parade
Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga, the suspect in custody over the fatal shooting of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (4 June) for an identification parade. Currently held at the Boossa Prison, the suspect was brought to court under tight security arrangements. Two witnesses were presented for the line-up; however, neither was able to identify the suspect. Following the parade,...
News Room : Tensions Flare Between Navy and Fishermen in Kuchchaveli; One Injured
A tense situation erupted between Sri Lanka Navy personnel and a group of fishermen during a special operation on 3 June (Tuesday) targeting illegal poaching activities in the seas off Kuchchaveli, Trincomalee. According to reports, 11 fishing vessels were involved in the confrontation. During the operation, one group allegedly surrounded a Navy vessel and attempted to flee the area, leading...
News Room : No Decision to Discontinue Grade 5 Scholarship Exam – PM Harini Amarasuriya
No decision has been taken to discontinue the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination at present, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated in Parliament today (4 June). Responding to a question raised during the session, Amarasuriya said that while the examination will not be scrapped immediately, changes to its methodology will be introduced as part of broader education reforms. She emphasised the government’s commitment...