Politics
'Kotu Kapima' betting network expands as single bets pass Rs 100,000
The Lotteries Board chairman told a COPE subcommittee the illegal lottery-linked betting scheme is now second only to drugs in its social damage.
Politics
1880 stories Politics
Lal Kantha says he will not contest next election from Kandy
Agriculture Minister Lal Kantha says he will not contest from Kandy; clarifies decision is personal, not political.
Politics
Mediation Boards handle over 200,000 disputes a year, Justice Minister says
Harshana Nanayakkara says Rs. 800 million has been allocated to the Mediation Boards Commission, with land boards now in all 25 districts.
Politics
Child neglect and abuse complaints rising, NCPA says
The National Child Protection Authority receives 600 to 1,000 complaints a month, with neglect, abandonment and physical and psychological abuse all increasing.
Politics
Suspect arrested over alleged plot against two prison officers
Police say the man gathered information on prison officers for an overseas crime figure known as 'Kos Malli'; NewsFirst reports he planned to kill two of them.
Politics
Two held over Ratmalana shooting, one found with 22 grams of 'Ice'
Police say the pair transported firearms used in the August 1 Kandawala Junction shooting and helped the gunman hide afterwards.
Politics
Drug trafficker Shiran Basik flown back from Dubai with two other suspects
Interpol Red Notice subject Shiran Basik was flown back from Dubai with two other suspects, handed to the CCIB and placed under a 72-hour detention order.
Politics
Traffic police told to stop hiding to catch motorists after bribery video
DIG Senadheera says officers must stop vehicles openly and in public view, after a video allegedly showing a Dambulla officer taking a bribe circulated online.
Politics
Video of armed police stop near Wariyapola prompts questions over procedure
Video shows police pointing firearm to stop motorcyclist and daughter during routine check; incident prompts police directive on transparency.
Politics
Mother and partner arrested over abandoned four-year-old in Wattegama
Police arrest mother and partner after four-year-old girl found assaulted and abandoned in Wattegama area; child hospitalized.
Politics
Youth shot in Weeraketiya as police link bullet to hunting party
A 20-year-old was hit in the leg in Agrahera, Weeraketiya on Friday morning. Police say the round was fired by a group out hunting animals.
Politics
Close associate of 'Alto Dharme' arrested with Ice in Mount Lavinia
Police say a 32-year-old linked to the organised-crime figure arrested in Dubai in May was found with 10 grams of crystal methamphetamine in Ratmalana.
Politics
Police suspect Backhoe Saman's mother was killed in revenge for Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder
Police suspect revenge killing linked to 'Karandeniya Sudda' faction. Motorcycle found abandoned in Urubokka.
Politics
Bar Association says it will use every legal avenue against judges' retirement age plan
BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya says the association will resort to legal measures if the government proceeds with extending judges' retirement age.
Politics
Over 1,000 foreign nationals arrested for cybercrime in Sri Lanka this year
Police say 1,093 foreign nationals have been arrested for cybercrime and financial fraud so far in 2026, up from 573 in 2024, with deportations under way.
Politics
Civil society groups form 'Free Operations Centre' to oppose 22nd Amendment
The Free Lawyers Association, Dinana Dakuna and several trade unions have joined a new common front backed by the Joint Opposition to campaign against the 22A.
Politics
Government and Catholic Church discuss state-run Catholic schools
Talks at the Presidential Secretariat covered teacher recruitment for religious studies and administrative issues at Catholic schools taken over by the state.
Politics
MP Hizbullah appears before Bribery Commission over assets inquiry
The parliamentarian was summoned to record a statement in connection with an investigation into his assets and liabilities.
Politics
Interpol Red Notices issued for 93 Sri Lankan suspects hiding overseas
Police say 73 wanted suspects have been brought back since 2024 and assets worth billions of rupees have been frozen under the 'Ratama Ekata' operation.
Politics
Joint Opposition tells President a referendum is essential for the 22nd Amendment
In a letter to President Dissanayake, the Joint Opposition says changes to judges' retirement ages under Article 107(5) require approval at a public vote.
Politics
President links superior court vacancies to Easter attacks trial, promises appointments within a month
Dissanayake says the senior-most High Court judge is sitting on the Easter Sunday Trial-at-Bar, and promoting him now would disrupt a case with 23,000 charges.
Politics
Lottery-based gambling racket second only to drug abuse, NLB chief tells COPE
National Lotteries Board chairman says the illegal 'Kotu Kepima' numbers racket has cost people their land and homes, with single bets reaching Rs. 100,000.
Politics
Main Line train services delayed after breakdown between Ambepussa and Alawwa
Sri Lanka Railways says a train developed a technical fault near Yatthalgoda, holding up all services on the Main Line while crews work to clear the section.
Politics
Man arrested over alleged Rs. 25 million house-building fraud advertised on social media
Man arrested over alleged Rs 25 million house construction fraud after 15 complaints over easy payment terms scheme.