Create formal institution to discuss sensitive info that BBS holds: Gnanasara Thera requests President

Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary, Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, today requested the President to establish a formal institution to receive and discuss sensitive information they have collected regarding the growing racism and religious fanaticism in the country.

Cabinet Paper drafted to provide loans for restarting piggeries: Minister

A Cabinet Paper has been drafted to provide concessionary loan facilities for farmers affected by disruptions to their piggeries by the spread of the African Swine Disease in the country, Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne said.

Complaint filed against Namal Rajapaksa’s law exam

A civil society representative has lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) alleging that MP Namal Rajapaksa received preferential treatment during a law examination 11 years ago.

Sirisena assures Court: No future claims for SLFP chairmanship

Former President Maithripala Sirisena, through his counsel, informed the Court of Appeal today that he will not claim any rights to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) chairmanship in the future.

’Won’t allow our land to be used against India’: President Anura Kumara

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, on his first official trip to India, has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi of full cooperation while ensuring regional peace. Dissanayake said that India has always helped Sri Lanka and the island nation has very significant place in the foreign policy of India.

Close to 1,000 feared dead after Cyclone Chido hits Mayotte

Close to 1,000 people may have been killed after Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, according to the island’s top official.

India will supply LNG to Sri Lanka’s power plants, announces PM Modi

India plans to supply liquefied natural gas to Sri Lanka’s power plants and will work on connecting the power grids of the two countries as well as lay a petroleum pipeline between the neighbours, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday.

Brigadier Medagoda appointed Army Media Director

Brigadier M.J.R.S Medagoda assumed duties as the Sri Lanka Army’s Director of Media and Psychological Operations today.

Justice Minister files complaint with CID over false education data

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has lodged a formal complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today requesting an inquiry into the inclusion of inaccurate educational qualifications in the Parliament database.

President meets Modi

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House this afternoon.

Hundreds feared dead after storm hits French territory

The death toll in the French territory of Mayotte from Cyclone Chido is “several hundred” and may run into the thousands, the island’s top government official told a local broadcaster Sunday.

President receives ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was ceremonially welcomed by Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning.

Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain dies due to health complications

World-renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away on Monday at a hospital in San Francisco, his family confirmed. He was 73 years old.

Prez holds talks with Indian External Affairs and Finance Ministers

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who arrived in India yesterday held talks with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr.S. Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharama New Delhi.

Govt. orders Acting IGP to curb shootings, underworld activity

In the wake of a troubling rise in underworld activities and shooting incidents, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told the Daily Mirror that he had directed the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take swift action to curb the ongoing murders.

President receives grand welcome in India

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in India today (15) at around 5:30 p.m via the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

PUCSL to begin public consultations on electricity tariff revision from Tuesday

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced today that public consultations on the electricity tariff revision will commence on Tuesday, Tuesday (17).

Anyone elected to Parliament can become Speaker; doctorate, educational certificate not needed: Chamal

Claiming that a doctorate or an educational certificate was not needed to become the Speaker, former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa said anyone who is elected to Parliament without a doctorate or even an educational certificate can become a Speaker.

Nagapattinam-KKS passenger ferry services to resume in January after suspension

The passenger ferry services between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS), Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province is scheduled to resume next January.

Met Department warns of weather pattern changes within next 24 hours

Due to formation of a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal, the Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning for the land and also the sea areas surrounding the island, valid for the next 24 hours.

Rajarata Rajina and Sagarika collide in Beliatta

The engines of the Sagarika express train and the Rajarata Rajina express train collided at the Beliatta Railway Station this morning, the Railways Department reported.

Five Acting Ministers appointed

Five acting Ministers have been appointed to oversee key Ministries during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

President leaves for India

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake left the island this afternoon for India, marking his first official foreign visit since assuming office, President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Opposition to nominate member for Speaker’s post

The Opposition will nominate an MP for the Speaker’s post on Tuesday when Parliament meets to elect a successor to Ashoka Ranwala who resigned from his post last week.

Diplomatic gaffes embarrass Lanka’s friendly nations: Sunday Times

A huge diplomatic gaffe came to pass this week when Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya thanked Taiwan, China’s arch-enemy, for an “incredibly generous donation” given—and said so in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong to boot, the Sunday Times reported.

Is the government at risk of over-borrowing in 2024?

In the wake of Sri Lanka’s recent presidential election, there has been growing debate over the government’s borrowing strategy for 2024. While some critics warn of excessive borrowing, others argue that it is necessary for fiscal stability.

Pope appoints Gnanapragasam Anthonypillai as new Bishop of Mannar

Pope Francis has officially appointed Reverend Gnanapragasam Anthonypillai as the new Bishop of Mannar, following the resignation of Bishop Fidelis Lionel Emmanuel Fernando from the pastoral care of the diocese.

Trump gets $15m in ABC News defamation case

ABC News has agreed to pay $15m (£12m) to US President-elect Donald Trump to settle a defamation lawsuit after its star anchor falsely said he had been found ’’liable for rape’’.

32-year-old killed in shooting at Meegoda

A 32-year-old man was killed in a shooting incident at Nagahawatta, Meegoda, last night.

President accepts Speaker’s resignation; Parliament informed

The Secretary to the President has informed the Secretary General of Parliament, in writing that the President has accepted the resignation of the Speaker, Asoka Ranwala, Communications Department of Parliament said.