Gates Foundation extends support for government’s digitization projects

The Gates Foundation has extended its support to provide financial, technical and advisory support for the digitization projects implemented by the Sri Lankan government, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Singapore ex-minister gets prison in rare case

Subramaniam Iswaran, a senior cabinet minister in Singapore’s government, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison in a high-profile trial that has gripped the wealthy nation.

Former Navy Chief Sirimevan Ranasinghe appointed Ports Authority Chairman

Former Navy Commander Admiral Sirimevan Sarathchandra Ranasinghe took office today as the new Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

Jaishankar to meet President Dissanayake tomorrow

The Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka tomorrow.

President appoints new Secretary to Public Administration Ministry

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed S. Aloka Bandara as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, Local Government and Labour.

16 new MPs appointed in 9th Parliament

The Ninth Parliament of Sri Lanka, which convened on August 20, 2020, and was dissolved at midnight on September 24, 2024, saw 19 parliamentary vacancies filled during its term.

No Sri Lankans seriously affected so far by situation in Lebanon: Foreign Ministry

No Sri Lankans have been seriously affected so far by the situation in Lebanon, apart from a few Sri Lankans who have been stranded, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today.

Gazette issued rescinding pensions for Central Bank Governors

The Central Bank has issued a Gazette Extraordinary rescinding the pension benefits of the Governors of the Central Bank with effect from September 11, 2024.

Local Government polls soon after General Elections: EC

The Election Commission has announced that it is geared to conduct the much-delayed 2023 Local Government Elections shortly after the upcoming General Elections.

Pathirana joins Jo’burg Super Kings for SA20

The Jo’Burg Super Kings, the sister franchise of CSK, has announced Matheesha Pathirana as their new signing in for the upcoming season of the SA20.

Wildlife crisis deepens as 239 elephants killed in eight months

Sri Lanka has reported a staggering 239 elephant deaths within the last eight months owing to a plethora of reasons, Wildlife Department sources said.

Easter Sunday’s attack commission report missing - Fr. Cyril Gamini

Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Colombo, said that the Presidential Commission report, which investigated the allegations made by the UK’s Channel 4 regarding the 2019 Easter Sunday attack, has gone missing.

Israel strikes heart of Beirut, killing six

Israel bombed central Beirut in the early hours of Thursday, killing at least six people, after its forces suffered their deadliest day on the Lebanese front in a year of clashes against Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah.

Sumanthiran urges Govt. to reveal names of politicians involved in liquor licensing

Former MP and Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) spokesperson, M.A. Sumanthiran, last evening called on the government to immediately disclose the names of former parliamentarians and politicians who were involved in securing and distributing liquor licenses during the previous administration.

Blast from unexploded US bomb grounds flights at Japanese airport

A US bomb buried at a Japanese airport exploded on Wednesday, causing a crater in a taxiway and the cancellation of more than 80 flights.

UNP-SJB electoral pact now a non-event

An electoral alliance between the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) is now going to be a non-event, with each of them planning for different strategies to contest the upcoming General Elections, Daily Mirror learns.

Colombo Port excavations uncover at least five human skeletons

At least five human skeletons have been recovered during further excavations conducted at the Colombo Port premises, police said.

Ranjan ’s civic rights to be restored?

Civic rights of former MP Ranjan Ramanayake is expected to be restored soon as he was summoned by the President’s office yesterday with the relevant documents.

People no longer willing to vote based on religion, race or clan

The recent Presidential election revealed that people are no longer willing to vote based on religion, race or clan, Buddhist Affairs Co-ordinator Chairman Ven. Dr. Sasthrapathi Galagama Dammaransi Nayaka Thera said.

IMF delegation, government’s economic team review IMF programme

A high-level delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that arrived in Sri Lanka today held discussions with the economic team of the new government where they reviewed the IMF programme thus far, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Confident Sri Lanka eye winning start against Pakistan

Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan in their opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup fixture at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE tomorrow.

ICC bans Praveen Jayawickrama for one year

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned Sri Lanka player Praveen Jayawickrama from all cricket for one year, of which six months are suspended, after he admitted breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Alleged misuse of Presidential Secretariat vehicles: Sajin Vass released from case

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today ordered the release of three suspects, including former Foreign Ministry Monitoring MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena, from a case filed against them for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the Presidential Secretariat during the tenure of Mahinda Rajapaksa, who served as President from 2005 to 2015.

Excise Dept. to closely monitor violations on World Temperance Day tomorrow

The Department of Excise will closely monitor any violations to the Excise Ordinance, where the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages is prohibited countrywide on World Temperance Day tomorrow.

Dinesh Chandimal - a modern day T. M. Dilshan

Kamindu Mendis’ supreme form in the red-ball game has seen his name on the headlines in the recent times. His incredible batting performances have helped him break records set decades ago. However, one of the unsung heroes that have probably not received accolades he deserves is none other than Dinesh Chandimal.

Future SJS government will cooperate with AKD

A future Samagi Jana Sandanaya (SJS) government will cooperate with incumbent President Anura Kmara Dissanayake in the event it secures a majority in Parliament at the General elections, its leaders said today.

Jaishankar to visit Sri Lanka this week

India’s external Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be visiting Sri Lanka this week and call on newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who assumed office on September 23.

37 independent groups place deposits for General Election

A total of 37 independent groups have placed cash deposits for the upcoming general election scheduled for November 14, 2024, the Election Commission stated.

Oil prices jump more than 2% as Middle East tensions escalate

Oil prices climbed more than 2% on Wednesday on rising concerns that Middle East tensions could escalate, potentially disrupting crude output from the region, following Iran’s biggest ever military blow against Israel.

No injuries among Sri Lankans in Israel after attack

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara confirmed that no injuries or casualties among Sri Lankan nationals were reported following last night’s attack on Israel, allegedly carried out by Iranian forces.