News Room : Japanese Ambassador Says Japan Was a Victim of Corruption in Sri Lanka
Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata said Japan had been a victim of corruption in Sri Lanka and expressed hope that the government would take concrete steps to address the issue. Isomata made the remarks during a roundtable discussion organized by the Pathfinder Foundation last week in Colombo. His comments follow reports that some Japanese companies have encountered difficulties investing in Sri Lanka...
News Room : Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage as part of efforts to reach Gaza ceasefire
Hamas says it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, who is believed to be the last living captive with US nationality in Gaza, as a part of efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement. The decision comes ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East on Tuesday. Hamas said it was also intended to facilitate a deal for the...
News Room : Address root causes of road fatalities
Monday 12th May, 2025 A tragic road accident near Kotmale claimed 21 lives yesterday and left 35 others seriously injured. Disaster struck when a state-owned bus plying from Kataragama to Kurunegala via Nuwara Eliya, veered off a winding road and plunged down a precipice. Yesterday’s tragedy has jolted politicians and officials alike into action, but it is bound to be...
News Room : Lack of penalties lacuna in election spending law
The Election Commission has called on all candidates who contested the just concluded 2025 Local Government (LG) Elections to submit their campaign income and expenditure reports by May 28, in line with the Election Expenditure Regulation Act No. 03 of 2023 although there are no penalties for non-compliance. Candidates are required to file their disclosures with the Returning Officers of their respective electoral...
News Room : Minister says requested complaint over teen suicide not yet made – The Island
In view of the upcoming Vesak festival, all liquor outlets, bars, taverns, meat stalls, butcheries, horse race betting centres, casinos, and clubs will be closed for three days from tomorrow (May 12), the Ministry of Public Administration announced. The closures, effective on May 12, 13, and 14, are part of the official Vesak Week (May 10–16), declared by Cabinet decision....
News Room : BCCI Issues Official Statement on Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement
A senior Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official has finally opened up on the Test retirement of the modern-day batting great Virat Kohli. The official confirmed that Virat Kohli has officially communicated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his decision to retire from the longest format of the game. On Saturday, May 10,...
News Room : Johnny Gets New Role in SLPP Leadership
Former Minister Johnston Fernando has been appointed as the new Operations Head of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam stated that this decision was made during the political bureau meeting held yesterday. Additionally, a committee headed by former Minister Gamini Lokuge has been appointed to formulate the necessary criteria for nominating members to local government institutions. Meanwhile,...
News Room : People’s Struggle Alliance, which includes FSP, secures 16 seats for first time – The Island
The People’s Struggle Alliance (PSA—Jana Aragalaya Sandanaya/Makkal Poraata Munnani) which contested under the “Umbrella” symbol at the May 06 local government polls, has secured 16 seats. This marks the first time the alliance, which is composed of three parties, including the Frontline Socialist Party, has gained representation in local bodies, party sources said. The alliance has won one representative each in 16 local councils, including...
News Room : ‘Divi Neguma’ Officer Jailed for 20 Years Over Sexual Bribery in Child’s Surgery Aid Case
A ‘Divi Neguma’ development officer has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment—served within 10 years—by the Colombo High Court for soliciting a sexual bribe from a 30-year-old mother of three in exchange for facilitating government financial aid for her child’s kidney surgery. Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige condemned the officer’s actions as a grave abuse of power...
News Room : Foreigner Arrested Over Suspected Bomb Threat Near Russian Embassy in Colombo
A German woman has been arrested by the Cinnamon Gardens Police in connection with a suspicious incident involving a laptop left unattended near the Russian Embassy in Colombo. Police said the device raised serious security concerns, prompting fears of a possible bomb threat. The woman was taken into custody following the discovery. The police questioned her for over five hours with...