News

Minister slams media over A’pura doctor case

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2025

editor

Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Savitri Paulraj has criticized certain media outlets for their unethical coverage of the sexual assault case involving a female doctor at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday (March 14), she stated that certain channels had failed to maintain even the minimum standards of journalism ethics by repeatedly broadcasting a dubbed audio of the victim’s testimony – an act she described as re-traumatizing and damaging to the survivor’s courage and confidence.

Minister Paulraj further emphasized that everyone in Parliament is opposed to violence and the “ugliness” of crime reporting.

She also raised concern over the release of evidence submitted to law enforcement and judicial authorities, noting that despite clear guidelines, the media had failed to protect the identities of those involved.

News

Weather advisory for severe lightning & heavy rain

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2025

editor

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for strong lightning and heavy rain in several parts of the country, effective until 11:00 pm today (April 22).

Thundershowers accompanied by intense lightning are expected this evening and tonight in the Eastern, Uva, Central, and Northern provinces, as well as in the Hambantota and Polonnaruwa districts.

Temporary strong winds may also occur during these storms.

WW_T_20250422SN_merged Download

News

Police appoints committee to study PCOI report on Easter Sunday bombings

Published

3 hours ago

April 22, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Police have appointed a four-member committee to study the final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

According to Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga, the committee is headed by a Senior DIG, Asanka Karawita.

The remaining members consist of the DIG in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Director of the CID, and the Director of the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID).

He added that several more sub-committees have been appointed under the purview of the main committee.

News

Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26

Published

5 hours ago

April 22, 2025

editor

Pope Francis’s funeral will take place on Saturday (April 26) at 10:00 local time (09:00 BST, 08:00 GMT), the Vatican confirms.

The funeral will take place outdoors in front of St Peter’s Basilica.

The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will lead the service.

At the end of the funeral, Re will deliver the final commendation – a concluding prayer where the Pope will be formally entrusted to God – and the body moved to St Mary Major for the burial.

The Vatican has also released images of Pope Francis in an open coffin, dressed in a red robe with the papal mitre on his head and a rosary in his hand.

He will be taken to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning (April 23), where his casket will remain until burial for the public to pay their respects.

The Pope’s coffin will be there until the burial for the public to pay their respects.

His body is currently laid out in a coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived during his 12-year papacy.

The pontiff’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from Catholics across the globe. From South Sudan to Argentina, Poland to the Philippines.

(BBC News)