News Room : Nalin Hewage: Land Before Politics, Bank Funds for Daughter’s Ceremony
Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage has responded to recent reports about his assets, clarifying that the money in his bank accounts includes funds gifted to his daughter. “I saw reports based on the asset and liability declaration of mine that I have around Rs. 2.2 million in bank accounts and a plot of land worth Rs. 2.4 million....
News Room : Trump Adds $100,000 Fee for Skilled Worker Visa Applicants
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that will add a $100,000 (£74,000) annual fee for applicants to the H-1B visa programme for skilled foreign workers. Trump’s order mentions “abuse” of the programme and will restrict entry unless payment is made. Critics have long argued that H-1Bs undercut the American workforce, while supporters – including billionaire Elon Musk –...
News Room : “Is AKD the Reincarnation of Hitler?” Gammanpila Asks at UNP Anniversary
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila, speaking at the 79th anniversary celebrations of the United National Party (UNP), drew a controversial comparison between President Anura Dissanayake and German dictator Adolf Hitler. Gammanpila claimed that Dissanayake’s actions raise “reasonable suspicion” that he is a reincarnation of Hitler. “The UNP is celebrating its 79th anniversary against a decisive backdrop for our motherland. We...
News Room : Worker Who Failed to Report for Duty in Israel Brought Back to Sri Lanka
A Sri Lankan man who had travelled to Israel for employment in the construction sector but reportedly failed to report for work and spent time in various locations has been repatriated to Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel Nimal Bandara confirmed. The ambassador said the man was in poor mental and physical condition, and therefore, an officer from the...
News Room : Allegations of Sexual Abuse at A’pura Special Needs School Spark Outrage
The Anuradhapura District Coordination Committee yesterday (19) focused special attention on allegations of misconduct and abuse involving children with special needs at a school in Anuradhapura. The school, located in Anuradhapura city, educates nearly 69 boys and girls with special needs. It is managed by a private institution under a governing board, with operations supervised by the North Central Provincial...
News Room : CIABOC Clears DG of Allegations Over Child’s School Admission
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has issued a statement regarding a complaint received about its current Director General, Ranga Dissanayake, allegedly admitting his child to a leading Colombo school through irregular means in 2014, when Dissanayake was a judge. The Commission stated that, following an order from its Chairperson and the other two members,...
News Room : Dunith Wellalage Vows to Fulfil Late Father’s Dream
Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has said that his father’s only wish was for him to become a good cricketer and represent the country, and he is determined to fulfil that dream. Wellalage, who returned to Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup following the sudden demise of his father, made this statement before departing the island this morning (20) to...
News Room : Trump and Xi discuss future of TikTok in US
US President Donald Trump has said he and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping approved a deal on the future of TikTok’s US operations during a phone call on Friday, although there was no confirmation from Beijing. Trump wrote on Truth Social the call was “productive” and he “appreciated” Xi’s approval of deal, which would reportedly see TikTok’s US business sold to...
News Room : Estonia seeks Nato consultation after Russian jets violate airspace
Estonia has requested a consultation with other Nato members after Russian warplanes violated its airspace on Friday. Estonia’s foreign ministry condemned the incursion as “brazen”. It said three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered the Estonian skies “without permission and remained there for a total of 12 minutes” over the Gulf of Finland. A Nato spokesperson said the military alliance “responded immediately...
News Room : MSF Scientific Days Asia 2025 Highlights Urgent Need for Community-Led Healthcare
Researchers, activists, and community leaders from across Asia gathered in Colombo for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Scientific Days Asia 2025, calling for an urgent shift towards healthcare systems driven by community voices, equity, and accountability. Held in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, and the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement of Sri Lanka, this year’s conference brought together over...