Bills promoting LGBTQ and transgender rights a threat to local culture: Buddhist Congress

The All Ceylon Buddhist Congress (ACBC) yesterday criticised two bills now pending before Parliament- Women Empowerment Bill and Gender Equity Bill - saying that they, if enacted, would promote LGBTQ rights and transgender rights compromising on the local culture, ethos and values.

Gender shift in rat fever cases raises concern

Health officials in Sri Lanka have identified a growing tendency of women being infected with leptospirosis, commonly referred to as rat fever, with a notable increase.

WB appoints new Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, SL

The World Bank has appointed David Sislen as the new Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, effective July 1, 2024.

Sri Lanka plans development bank to boost industries

Sri Lanka is currently exploring the establishment of a development bank, a move that would facilitate the required funding to help improve the competitive capabilities of industries, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Economic activities continue to expand as PMI logs higher values

The manufacturing sector resumed expansion while the services activities continued their growth in May, as the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) signalled that the economic activities continue to do well, supported by the lower prices and interest rates.

Int’l university at Port City Colombo set to elevate regional education

Port City Colombo is set to become the engine of Sri Lanka’s future economic development by opening up opportunities for local and international university level students to pursue academics in diversified fields of study.

De Kock leads South Africa to 18-run win over USA at T20 World Cup

Quinton de Kock hit a blistering half-century as South Africa defeated a battling United States by 18 runs in their opening T20 World Cup second round clash on Wednesday.

Two-day vehicle tuning dansala for Poson poya

A two-day vehicle tuning dansala was launched today in front of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) head office in Narahenpita, to mark Poson Poya day. The event was inaugurated by DMT Commissioner General Nishantha Anurudda.

NPP members collect funds for flood victims, AKD spends millions on air tickets: SJB activist

National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake is spending millions on his air ticket while his party members are collecting funds for flood victims in Sri Lanka, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) activist Chamith Wijesundara said today.

Nimal Siripala elected as SLFP Chairman

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and MP Duminda Dissanayake were elected as the Chairman and General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) respectively.

Wife of Canadian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka passes away

The Canadian High Commission in Sri Lanka and the Maldives announced today the passing of Lucie Tsai, the wife of High Commissioner Eric Walsh, at the age of 52.

Nvidia dethrones Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable company

Chip-maker Nvidia dethroned fellow tech giant Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable company after its share prices surged to an all-time high, Tuesday.

Suwa Seriya driver assistant assaulted

The driver and his assistant of a ’1990 - Suwa Seriya’ ambulance who called over at a house to rush to hospital an individual who had taken ill during a party held in the house, had been assaulted by two individuals attending the party.

President’s statement a threat to SC, judicial system: BASL

While issuing a media release on President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s statement on the Supreme Court’s determination on the Gender Equality Bill, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) reiterated that the President’s statement is a threat to the Supreme Court and the entire judicial system in discharging the judicial functions conferred by the Constitution.

Bus collision in Ranala injures nearly 50 including students

A private bus and a school bus collided head-on in the Ranala area, resulting in injuries to almost 50 including students.

More than 550 Hajj pilgrims die in intense heat

At least 550 pilgrims have died during the hajj, underscoring the gruelling nature of the pilgrimage which again unfolded in scorching temperatures this year.

Skipper Hasaranga claims cricketers behind social media criticism

Wanindu Hasaranga, the captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team alleged that certain cricketers are behind the critical posts circulating on social media about the current team.

Suspension of A/L results of 70 Muslim girls will not affect their results: Susil

The suspension of the GCE Advanced Level results of seventy girls of Zahira College in Trincomalee will not affect their results,Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said today.

Bollywood singer Alka Yagnik reveals rare hearing loss diagnosis

Veteran Indian singer Alka Yagnik has been diagnosed with a rare sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) due to a viral attack.

Wild boar frequenting Nallathanniya town

The residents of Nallathanniya town are living in constant fear of any possible danger from herds of wild boar frequenting the town during daytime.

Sri Lanka’s Rupee hits Rs. 300 against USD after three months

Sri Lanka’s rupee has reached the Rs. 300 mark against the US dollar, marking its highest valuation in three months.

President unveils plans for talks with creditor countries

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made a series of significant announcements aimed at revitalizing Sri Lanka’s economy at the International Industry Expo 2024.

CID to probe Piumi Hansamali’s bank accounts over alleged illegal assets

Maligakanda Magistrate Manjula Thilakaratne granted permission to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to obtain the records of 19 accounts belonging to model Piumi Hansamali, following allegations that Hansamali has acquired substantial properties through organized crime.

Controversial remarks on Buddhism: Natasha released from case

Stand-up comedian Natasha Edirisooriya was today ordered to be released from the magisterial inquiry by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court upon the Attorney General’s advice.

Canadian HC talking to MPs to promote transgender: Wimal

Claiming that the transgender issue is a lucrative business, Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa said the Canadian High Commission has been talking to MPS in Parliament to promote transgender in Sri Lanka.

President tenders apology for making cremation compulsory during COVID pandemic

President Ranil Wickremesinghe tendered an apology for making cremation compulsory during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Postage stamp to be increased to Rs. 100 in July

A proposal has been made to increase the price of an ordinary postage stamp to Rs. 100 by July, Mass Media Ministry Secretary Anusha Palpita said.

Sri Lanka Cricket team returns home

The Sri Lankan cricket team arrived back on the island this morning following their participation in the ICC T20 World Cup held in the US.

CCD and Honda crack down on counterfeit spare parts

In a collaborated effort to combat the distribution of counterfeit spare parts, the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) and the Honda Motor Company initiated multiple criminal raids in different areas of the country.

Salary increase for CB officials: COPF approves investigation committee report recommendations

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has approved the recommendations made by the committee appointed to look into the salary increases of Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) employees, COPF Chief Harsha de Silva told Parliament today.