Special measles vaccination program launched in 12 districts

A special measles vaccination program kicked off today in 12 districts across Sri Lanka.

Iranian charged in plot to kill Trump, also tasked with targeting Israelis in Sri Lanka, US

The Iranian national, charged by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) on Friday in a murder-for-hire plot to assassinate then-candidate Donald Trump and an American journalist critical of Tehran, was also tasked with targeting Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka, the DoJ said.

Sujeewa Senasinghe claims vehicle cleared by government analyst

The vehicle owned by Samagi Jana Sandanaya (SJS) National Organiser and national list nominee Sujeewa Senasinghe has been cleared by the government analyst as being genuine.

’Will introduce programme to eradicate drug menace’: President

The government will take steps to eradicate the drug menace and the underworld while putting an end to the insecure situation in the country, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday.

Hamper voting? EC, DMC brace for any disaster on polling day

With heavy inter-monsoonal rain beating the country, the election authorities have decided to work out extra plans along with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) to conduct polling of the General Election next Wednesday without any impact from a possible disaster situation, an official said.

Excessive taxation could undermine economic equity, warns legal expert

President’s Counsel Dr. Shivaji Felix raised critical concerns about Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue practices, suggesting they may place undue burdens on the taxpayers, without delivering equivalent benefits.

Sri Lanka unveils new sustainable tourism strategy to capture UK market at WTM 2024

Sri Lanka presented a fresh vision for its tourism industry at World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 in London, introducing an ambitious sustainability-driven strategy aimed at enhancing visitor engagement while preserving the island’s rich natural and cultural resources.

Colombo Tea Auction sees offering cross 6 MnKgs after 5 months

The total auction offerings crossed the 6.0 million kilogramme mark, after a lapse of five months (Sale No. 22 of 4/June 5, 2024).

Kanthale hospital faces surgical crisis amid consultant shortage

Base Hospital Kanthale has issued an urgent plea to the Ministry of Health for the immediate replacement of its Consultant Surgeon, whose recent absence has disrupted critical surgical services and forced the hospital to divert emergency cases to other facilities.

Sri Lanka should consider a One-Stop Centre for Investors – taking Rwanda learnings: MTI

Countries like Sri Lanka should consider conceptualising and developing such an entity, which requires cutting through layers of bureaucracy and legislation, to ensure an almost effortless, seamless investor experience, according to MTI Consulting.

Government rules out any plans to offer ministerial portfolios to Douglas

The government ruled out any plans to offer ministerial portfolios to EPDP leader former minister Douglas Devananda.

Customs, CTC destroy Rs. 390 Mn worth illicit fags seized from BIA

A large stock of illicit cigarettes seized by the Sri Lanka Customs from the airport, which was worth over Rs. 390 million was destroyed at the Western Power Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya this week.

Sri Lanka prepare for rain-soaked T20 showdown with New Zealand

Sri Lanka hope to maintain their purple patch at home with a two-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand starting Saturday -- but rains may force the hosts to keep their formidable spin attack on standby.

NMRA clarifies misinformation on pharmacy license rejections

In response to recent reports suggesting a potential wave of pharmacy closures across Sri Lanka due to alleged rejections of license renewal applications, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) clarified that these reports are inaccurate.

Complaints on election law violations surpass 2,000

A total of 149 fresh complaints related to the upcoming General Elections were received, pushing the total number of complaints to over 2,000.

Special circular issued on use of social media tools in schools

The Ministry of Education has issued a special circular on the use of “social media tools” in school education and communication.

Investigations reveal defective brakes caused fatal bus crash in Badulla

Motor Vehicle Examiners of the Department of Motor Traffic, who examined the bus involved in the recent fatal bus accident at Ambagahaoya on Badulla – Mahiyangana on November 01, have reported that the accident was due to defective brakes. They examined the wreckage on Thursday (07) at Badulla Police ground.

Motor Traffic Department closes for two days for election

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has decided to close its Narahenpita Head Office on Wednesday, November 13 and Thursday, November 14 due to the General Elections.

Police constable arrested for burglary

A police constable who burgled a house in Dehiwala and took away property including foreign currency, gold jewellery and electrical appliances was arrested yesterday by the Dehiwala police.

West Indies quick handed suspension for on-field incident

A two-match ban for the pace bowler for his part in an on-field incident against England.

Nissan to lay off thousands of workers as sales drop

Nissan has said it will lay off thousands of workers as it slashes global production to tackle a drop in sales in China and the US.

Lady principal arrested over bribery in Ragama

Officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption arrested a female principal of a primary school in Ragama for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs. 150,000.

CR host first rugby encounter under lights

CR and FC will make history with their first-ever floodlight rugby match at Longden Place today when they play with their traditional rivals Havelock Sports Club. The kick-off is at 6.30 p.m.

CID arrests couple at BIA over multi-billion rupee pyramid scam

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested a 52-year-old man, Dhammika Kumara Ranasinghe, who returned from Malaysia this morning, at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), for his involvement in defrauding over Rs. 10 billion through a pyramid scam.

Over 3,000 driving licenses suspended due to various illegal activities: DMT

A total of 3,249 driving licenses have been suspended since January this year due to various illegal activities committed by motorists, Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) Commissioner General Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasingha said.

Schools close for elections from Wednesday, reopen on Nov. 18

The Education Ministry announced that all schools will close from November 13 in preparation for the parliamentary elections scheduled for the following day (November 14).

Probe reveals Lohan’s use of unregistered luxury car since 2020

Investigations into the recovery of an illegally assembled, unregistered luxury car from the home of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte’s wife in Mirihana have revealed that Ratwatte had been using the vehicle since 2020 with a fake number plate.

India- Russia joint venture bid to manage China-built Mattala airport goes awry

The move initiated by the previous government to hand over the management of the Mattala International Airport to an India-Russia joint venture is poised to be abandoned since Sri Lankan authorities are not ready to grant the licence for it over legal barriers, a top source said.

Ask Grandfather if you don’t know how to manage finances: Ranil

Taking a swipe at the name he is often referred to by some of his opponents, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said the government hierarchy should seek advice from the ’grandfather’ if they do not know how to handle government finances.

Supreme Court halts attempt to release illegally held elephants to suspects

The Supreme Court yesterday issued several interim orders, including staying and suspending all proceedings in the impugned Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court case, where an order to release elephants to suspects in those proceedings, had been made by the Magistrate.