Two fishermen were seriously injured and hospitalised after a parcel floating on the sea exploded while they were checking it off the coast of Mannar.

Police said the fishermen, who were fishing in the area, attempted to inspect the parcel when it suddenly detonated. Both sustained severe injuries and were rushed to the hospital.

Police suspect that the explosion may have been caused by an illegal explosive device used for fishing. The Mannar Police and the Sri Lanka Navy have launched a joint investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

The Government of China contributed Rs. 1.5 billion in aid to Sri Lanka's Northern and Eastern Provinces in 2024, according to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo.

For the first time in Sri Lanka, the government is to establish a mechanism to supervise and advice ministries in the implementation of policies, a source said.

A tense situation was reported at the UNP party headquarters in Sirikotha when a group of UNP supporters arrived to hand over a document on reviving the party.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva said today that an NPP MP has told him that the Parliament canteen will not be closed but the government will see that no one will abuse the facility.

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and the Examinations Department have initiated a joint programme to mitigate potential disasters during the 2024 Advanced Level examinations.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka today. Following are 11 key points from the President’s Government Policy Statement;

Speaker Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala informed Parliament that nomination of Sajith Premadasa, leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has been accepted as the Opposition Leader of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka.

Jaffna District Independent MP Archuuna Ramanathan refused to move away after he sat on the Opposition Leader's seat inside the chambers despite requests by Parliament staff to move.

National People's Power (NPP) Gampaha MP Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala was elected as the Speaker of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka a short while ago. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya proposed his name, and the nomination was confirmed by Vijitha Herath.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake adjourned the Sri Lankan Parliament until 9:30 a.m. on December 3. The adjournment followed the President’s delivery of the government’s policy statement during the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament earlier today.

The Ministry of Health has initiated an investigation into the tragic death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child at the Mannar District General Hospital. According to police reports, the deceased, a 27-year-old resident of Mannar, was admitted to the hospital for childbirth on Monday night. In addition, the Mannar Police have also launched their own investigations into the incident.

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) of the Parliamentary Opposition expressed hope for power devolution, land rights including the release of military-occupied private land, and justice for alleged war era crimes which stem from the conflict, following the election of a new Government.

The Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadheera clarified that a Member of Parliament is not paid a salary but is entitled to an allowance.

Former Minister Harin Fernando, arrested this morning (20) by the Badulla Police for alleged election law violations, has been granted bail. He was ordered to provide two surety bails of Rs. 500,000 each.

The controversy surrounding the nomination of Ravi Karunanayake as an MP on the National List representing the New Democratic Front (NDF) is beyond the control of the Election Commission, according to its chairman.

Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pilleyan, arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning (20) to provide a statement. He arrived to provide a statement regarding the controversial Channel 4 documentary on the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks in Sri Lanka.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to visit India in mid-December for his maiden state visit.

Minister Bimal Rathnayake has been appointed as the Leader of the House while Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has been appointed as Chief Government Whip, the Government said.

The first Cabinet meeting of the new government was held today (19) at the Presidential Secretariat under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. During the meeting, Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, was appointed as the Cabinet Spokesman for the new government.

The outbreak of Meningococcal disease at the Sri Lanka Army Recruit Training School in Vedditalativu is under control, Director of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) said.