Cabinet approves reconstruction of 172 disaster-affected houses

Government approval was granted to reconstruct 172 houses that had been affected by disasters, including floods and strong winds that occurred due to the activation of the south-west monsoon.

Government to import 3,000 MT of ginger in next three months

The government has decided to import 3,000 metric tons of ginger for the possibility of reducing the retail price of ginger to an affordable price for customers in the local market and facilitating the production of ginger.

MP Jagath Priyankara pledges support to President

Puttalam district leader of the Jathika Nidahas Peramuna, MP Jagath Priyankara pledged his support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe a short while ago.

10% water tariff to be reduced soon for low-income families: Bandula

A formula was introduced to reduce the water tariff for low-income families by 10 percent in the future, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

Premalal Jayasekara now says will support Namal Rajapaksa

State Minister Premalal Jayasekara also known as ’Choka Malli’, who had earlier declared his intention to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming election, has shifted his allegiance.

Reservoir of liquid water found on Mars

Scientists have discovered a reservoir of liquid water on Mars - deep in the rocky outer crust of the planet.

Starlink given license to operate in Sri Lanka from August 12

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has issued a Telecommunications Service Provider License under Section 17B of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act No. 25 of 1991 as amended, to Starlink Lanka (Private) Limited for the provision of Satellite Broadband Services in Sri Lanka.

Will Presidential Election budget of Rs 10Bn be exceeded?

The Election Commission is striving to conduct the upcoming Presidential Election within the allocated budget of Rs 10 billion, despite the number of candidates having now reached 30, said Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake.

Above 100 mm showers likely due to low-level atmospheric disturbance

Due to the low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, heavy showers above 100 mm are likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-Western Provinces, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

More than 47,000 people died in Europe last year due to heat

More than 47,000 people died in Europe due to scorching temperatures in 2023, with countries in the region’s south hit the hardest, according to a report by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) published on Monday.

Indian contingent arrives in Sri Lanka for ’Mithrashakthi’ exercise

An Indian Army contingent participating in the annual joint military exercise ’Mithrashakti’ arrived at the Mattala Airport yesterday.

I don’t believe in wooing MPs: SF

Presidential candidate Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said today that he does not believe in wooing MPs and posing for photographs with them.

Sri Lanka permits 12 foreign vessels this year despite research vessel ban; No Chinese ships docked

Sri Lanka has granted security clearance for at least 12 foreign vessels to dock at its ports this year, despite imposing restrictions on foreign vessels, the Daily Mirror learns.

20 MPs fail to submit asset declarations

At least 20 Members of Parliament have failed to submit their asset and liability statements, according to informed sources.

SriLankan Airlines: next plan to take wings after Presidential Election

The government has put off its plans to find an alternate strategy to develop the cash strapped national career ‘SriLankan Airlines’ till the Presidential Election is over, an official said.

Ranil, Sajith, Anura, Namal geared up for 100-rally marathon for presidency

The four main political candidates - Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa, Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Namal Rajapaksa will begin their campaign rallies soon after nominations end on August 15 with each party eyeing to complete 100 rallies each.

Teenage pregnancies on the rise in Sri Lanka: NCPA

Sri Lanka is witnessing a rise in teenage pregnancy and sexual abuse, with 28 cases reported during the first half of this year, according to the latest data from the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).

Economic recovery to boost SL’s insurance industry: CB Governor

Sri Lanka’s insurance industry is poised to benefit from the ongoing recovery in economic activity, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said, as improved business conditions, low inflation and low interest rates in conventional financial products are likely to boost demand for insurance services on an overall basis.

Long-term political will crucial for SL’s power sector reforms: ADB

The success of Sri Lanka’s power sector reforms depends heavily on the government’s ability to maintain strong political will over the long term, according to Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Takafumi Kadono.

Bharat Kosh inaugurated at Colombo Public Library

Bharat Kosh, a repository of Indic knowledge, was inaugurated by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha at the Colombo Public Library yesterday.

BOC among top 1000 world banks for 2024

Bank of Ceylon (BOC), Sri Lanka’s premier financial institution, announced its inclusion in The Banker magazine’s prestigious list of Top 1000 World Banks for 2024.

Local gem and jewellery businesses shift overseas as taxes bite

The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) warned yesterday that the high taxes, including the Value-Added Tax (VAT), are pushing businesses to relocate abroad, threatening the future of the industry.

Shah Rukh Khan ’pushes old man’ at Locarno film festival red carpet

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has added a new feather in his cap. On Saturday, SRK became the first Indian to receive the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera award at the Locarno Film Festival.

Vijith Vijayamuni Soysa meets President

Former Minister Vijith Vijayamuni Soysa, who served as the organizer for the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Katana electorate, has pledged to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming Presidential election.

Pre-recruitment tests expand opportunities for Sri Lankan workers in Israel

Pre-recruitment tests have now begun, aiming to further expand opportunities for Sri Lankan workers in Israel’s construction industry, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said.

Independent candidates used as proxies in elections: Former Election Commissioner

Many independent candidates are used as proxy candidates for another candidate who was actually contesting the Presidential Election, former Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said.

Greek wildfire spreads to edge of Athens; towns, hospitals evacuated

A fast-moving wildfire fuelled by gale-force winds spread to the edge of Athens on Monday, torching trees, houses and cars and forcing evacuations of several hospitals and a dozen towns and villages, Greek authorities said.

Minimum daily wage for estate workers increased to Rs.1,700

The Wages Board today agreed to pay Rs. 1,700 as an increment for the daily payment for the estate workers.

Heavy rainfall expected across multiple areas

Heavy showers exceeding 100 mm are likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western, and North-central provinces after 12:00 p.m. today.

Election Commission informed of two Parliamentary seats falling vacant

The Chairman of the Election Commission has been informed of the two Parliamentary seats that fell vacant due to the cancellation of parliamentary seats of Members of Parliament Manusha Nanayakkara and Harin Fernando.