Tamil Nadu’s silence hampers resolution of Indo-Lanka fisheries issue: Minister

In the backdrop of the death of a Navy sailor in the attempt to contain IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said the central government of India alone could not address this issue without the cooperation of the state government Tamil Nadu which is still maintaining stoic silence despite its impact on livelihoods of Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen in particular.

Do not venture into Arabian Sea areas till further notice

Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea areas till further notice, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Meteorology Department said.

Colombo inflation gains pace in June to 1.7%

Inflation in the Colombo district accelerated in June as widely expected, mainly due to the higher food prices, but the prices still remain largely below Central Bank’s medium term target of 5 percent.

Old soldiers never die, Sarath Fonseka to serve nation further: President

Whilst highlighting that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Sarath Fonseka is a man of ability who never gives up, President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said Sri Lanka will get the opportunity of enjoying the services of the former in the near future.

Navy sailor’s death: Sri Lanka registers protest but tones it down

Sri Lanka registered its concerns with India on the death of a navy sailor in his attempt to seize an Indian fishing boat poaching in Sri Lankan waters, an informed source said.

Over 1,200 kilos of narcotics to be incinerated

The local authorities are set to destroy a total of 1,208 kilograms of narcotics at the high-powered incinerator situated in Wanathavilluwa, Puttalam tomorrow.

Rare aircraft designed for bulky loads arrives in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) welcomed the arrival of Antonov-124, one of the world’s largest cargo planes, at the Katunayake Air Force Base today.

US Treasury official Robert Kaproth to visit Sri Lanka

Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Kaproth from the U.S. Treasury Department will visit Sri Lanka next week.

Cocaine, Kush came as whey protein worth Rs.185Mn seized

Cocaine and Kush worth over Rs.185 million, which had arrived in the country as a consignment of whey protein via air cargo, were seized by Sri Lanka Customs this afternoon.

CID arrests hundreds of Indians linked to online financial scam

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has conducted a widespread operation resulting in the apprehension of 137 Indian nationals suspected of being involved in a large-scale online financial scam across multiple locations in the country.

Iranians vote in presidential election with limited choices

Iranians voted on Friday for a new president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, choosing from a tightly controlled group of four candidates loyal to the supreme leader at a time of growing public frustration and Western pressure.

Keheliya further remanded

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who was arrested over the import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, was further remanded until July 12 by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

Bus fares slashed by 5%, minimum fare Rs.28

The bus fare will be reduced by five percent from July 1, Inter Provincial Private Bus Association (IPPBA) secretary Anjana Priyanjith said.

Japan to resume projects in Sri Lanka

The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Misukoshi Hideki, said that Japan will promptly resume its projects in Sri Lanka that were previously halted, once the related MoUs are signed.

Two giant pandas from China heading to US

Two giant pandas are on their way from China to the San Diego Zoo, the first pair of pandas to enter the United States in 21 years, according to the zoo’s press release.

Daily Mirror journalist bags top Environmental Award

Prageeth Sampath Karunathilaka, an investigative journalist for the Daily Mirror, has won the Gold Award in the Media Sector - Individual Category (English medium) at the Presidential Environmental Awards 2024.

China’s Vice Minister calls on Mahinda Rajapaksa in Beijing

China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sun Weidong, called on former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Beijing today and reiterated the strong partnership between China and Sri Lanka.

A 15-hour water cut in Colombo tomorrow

Colombo residents are set to experience a 15-hour water cut tomorrow (29) as the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced that water supply to several areas in the city will be suspended.

Hirunika to seek bail

Former Colombo district Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra, who has been jailed for 3 years by the High Court of Colombo for her involvement in the abduction of a youth using a Defender, is expected to seek bail from the Colombo High Court.

Podimenike derails near Watawala

The train services on the upcountry railway line have been disrupted due to the derailment of the Podimenike Intercity Express train, the Railways Department said.

Falling roof pillars smash cars at Delhi airport

A roof at Delhi airport has collapsed after heavy rain, killing one person and injuring several more.

CID arrests Sanjaya Mahawatta

The chairman of the ’Magen Ratata’ movement, Sanjaya Mahawatta, was arrested today (28) by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Hirunika jailed for three years over for abduction of youth

Former Colombo district Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra was found guilty of her involvement in the abduction of a youth using a Defender and was given a three-year prison sentence by the Colombo High Court today.

Second round evaluation for 2024 (A/L) answer scripts commenced

The second round of evaluation of answer scripts from the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination will begin today, the Examinations Department said.

New Electricity Act came into effect yesterday: Ministry

The New Electricity Act, which was endorsed by the Speaker three weeks ago, came into effect yesterday (27), the Power and Energy Ministry said.

Six dead after train and bus collide at Slovakia level-crossing

At least six people have been killed after an international express train collided with a bus on a level crossing in southern Slovakia, emergency workers say.

Sajith raises concern

Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), raised concerns yesterday regarding the debt restructuring agreement signed by the government with official creditor countries, citing specific issues with the terms negotiated.

EC constitutionally empowered to call for Presidential poll in less than three weeks

The Election Commission which will get constitutional authority to conduct the presidential election independent of any governmental interference in another three weeks time has sprung up into action by issuing a circular to initiate action for staff, vehicle mobilization and polling centre inspections, an official said.

Pavithra’s gazette on Viduthalathive Nature Reserve suspended by SC

The Supreme Court issued an interim order staying the operation of the Extraordinary Gazette issued by Wildlife Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi changing the boundaries of the Vedithalathivu Nature Reserve for an aquaculture project.

ADB shares possible support to local startups

Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem is likely to receive a fresh boost in future as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday announced that the segment is among those that have been identified for support.