Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate on the Proceeds of Crime Bill, on April 30 in Parliament.

The debate on the Second Reading of the Proceeds of Crime Bill was held on April 08, 2025, and following the Second Reading debate, the Bill was considered at the Committee Stage. Thereafter, the Bill was passed in Parliament without a division and without amendments, following the Third Reading.

This Bill was presented to Parliament for the First Reading on March 01, 2025.Accordingly, this Bill shall come into force as the Proceeds of Crime Act, No. 05 of 2025.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) says that the admission manual for university enrollment based on the recently released Advanced Level Examination results will be published today.

Online registration for university admission is scheduled to commence next week.

This year, 43,300 students are expected to be enrolled to undergraduate degree programs across the country.

In addition, the UGC revealed the introduction of a new degree program at the Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine.

The newly introduced course will offer students the opportunity to pursue studies in service management.

(News1st)

(This story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

03 individuals, including a woman, were arrested by Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake for attempting to smuggle aquatic animals into Sri Lanka from Bangkok without valid permits.

The 03 suspects, including a female, are residents of Veyangoda and are reportedly involved in the ornamental fish trade.

Their attempt to bring in the animals to their country violates Sri Lanka’s Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance.

Hidden in their baggage were a large number of aquatic species including red-eared sliders, albino red-eared sliders, redtail catfish, alligator gar, various types of goldfish, and pig-nosed turtles – species considered invasive and potentially harmful to Sri Lanka’s ecosystem.

A Customs Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection (BCNP) Unit personnel stated that the red-eared slider is among the world’s most invasive turtle species, while the red-tailed catfish is known for its predatory nature and ability to consume fish much larger than itself.

Following further investigations, Customs plans to re-send the smuggled aquatic animals to Thailand.