Teachers to launch islandwide strike tomorrow

An islandwide trade union action is scheduled to be launched after school, targeting all Zonal Education Centres over several demands, including the provision of the promised remaining salary, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin said.

Fire at famous Bangkok market kills 1,000 animals

Around 1,000 animals were killed in a fire in Bangkok’s famous open-air Chatuchak market early Tuesday, gutting nearly 100 shops.

Eleven schools in Anuradhapura close for Poson festival

The North Central Province Education Ministry announced today the closure of eleven schools in the Anuradhapura, Mihintale and Thanthirimale areas in view of the Poson festival.

Sabry, Russian Foreign Minister discuss Sri Lankan recruitment to Russian forces

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry who is currently in Russia to participate in the BRICS 2024 Foreign Ministerial Session with developing countries had a bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov yesterday (10).

Sri Lanka’s computer, digital literacy increase to 39%

The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) reports that computer literacy in Sri Lanka has increased to 39% in 2023.

Aircraft carrying Malawi vice-president goes missing

An aircraft carrying Malawi’s Vice-President Saulos Chilima and nine others has gone missing, a statement from the president’s office has said.

Future government under Sajith to implement 13th Amendment

A government under him in the future will be committed to implementing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said recently.

SA on brink of Super 8s with tense win over Bangladesh

Heinrich Klaasen hit a vital 46 as South Africa claimed a nervy four-run victory over Bangladesh that put them on the brink of securing a place in the T20 World Cup Super 8s.

Dullas, Dayasiri, Roshan in talks with SJB for alliance

The political groups led by MPs Dullas Alahapperuma, Dayasiri Jayasekara and Roshan Ranasinghe are in negotiations with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to work out an electoral alliance, an informed source said.

Biting the hands that feed you

A family that sought refuge at the residence of a leading gem businessman in Ratnapura after being affected by the floods have allegedly stolen gemstones valued Rs.25 million, according to the police.

Fears of election postponement still loom

Despite assertions that the presidential election would be conducted as scheduled, political circles are abuzz with speculations that the government will try to exploit the provisions in the Constitution to extend the term of the presidential term and the parliamentary period.

Rise in flies poses risk of diarrhoea and contagious viral fever

As floodwaters recede, the proliferation of flies has raised alarms among health authorities due to the increased risk of diarrhoea outbreaks and the spread of contagious viral fevers.

Exercise caution in chicken purchases due to flood contamination: CAA association

The Consumer Affairs Authority’s (CAA) General Workers’ Association urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing chicken from the market due to the increased risk of contamination caused by recent floods.

Ransomware menace plaguing Sri Lankan businesses: Kaspersky

A total of 2,650 ransomware incidents have been detected and blocked by Kaspersky’s cybersecurity solutions for businesses in Sri Lanka from January to December 2023, it was revealed.

Sri Lanka should separate foreign policies from borrowing policies: Dr. Devarajan

A prominent economist stressed the need for Sri Lanka to separate its foreign policies from the borrowing policies, so it does not repeat the same mistakes that have resulted in it having to grapple with high cost of debt.

Colombo District Court recognises Sri Lankan divorce entered into in USA

In a landmark judgment, the Colombo District Court held that a foreign decree of a marriage contracted in Sri Lanka can be recognized and enforced in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the Colombo District Court issued a decree of dissolution of marriage in favor of a plaintiff living in California by upholding international legal standards relating to marriage laws.

Non-communicable diseases cause nearly 90% of deaths in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is facing a health crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which account for 89% of deaths, according to Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala.

Elon Musk’s thank you note to Indian-origin man behind Tesla’s AI success

Elon Musk, on Sunday, expressed gratitude towards Indian-origin Ashok Elluswamy – the first person hired for Tesla’s autopilot team.

Retired soldiers left for Russia to make ends meet: Defence Secy.

The retired soldiers of Sri Lanka who dedicated their lives to the war left for Russia not to abandon the motherland but to make ends meet, who have been deceived by the scammers promising them a lucrative opportunity, opined Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne.

Planters’ Association condemns Thondaman’s illegal actions at Pedro Estate, calls for justice

While condemning Minister Jeevan Thondaman’s recent illegal behaviour at Pedro Estate, Nuwara Eliya, the Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) urged the Sri Lankan Government and the Sri Lankan Police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into this incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

New laws planned to control wetland destruction and illegal constructions

New laws are to be enacted to control the destruction of wetlands, including illegal constructions and they are negotiating with all government agencies to reach a common consensus, Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary W.S. Sathyananda said.

Railways Department yet to calculate losses from strike

The Railways Department has said that the losses incurred as a result of the non-operation of trains during the trade union strike initiated by the Sri Lanka Railways Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union have not yet been calculated.

Police hunt for fraudster who defrauded Rs. 17.5 million in job scam

Police are seeking public assistance in apprehending a suspect wanted for defrauding individuals of Rs. 17.5 million with promises of employment abroad, particularly in countries like England and Poland.

Train strike called off

The Sri Lanka Railways Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union decided to call off their ongoing strike following discussion with the Transport Minister.

Minister urges union to end strike and return to duty

Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardena today requested the Sri Lanka Railways Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union to call off their strike and report to work.

Modi likely to visit Sri Lanka in August

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Sri Lanka in August this year, officials from the President’s office told journalists here.

President meets Indian External Affairs Minister

President Ranil Wickremesinghe met Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi today where he discussed bilateral ties with India and the sub continant’s neighbourhood programmes.

Wanted gunman in ’Pas Podda’ murder arrested at BIA on return from UAE

The gunman responsible for the killing of underworld figure Saman Rohitha Perera alias ‘Pas Podda’ in Gampaha in 2022 was arrested by immigration officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake upon his return to the country.

Is it time to back Wanindu Hasaranga?

Having lost their first two games of the ongoing T20 World Cup in United States of America & West Indies, Sri Lanka are on the brink of another humiliating exit from the most high-profile event of the year.

Substandard soaps cause skin allergies in babies

According to the Government Family Health Services Association, it has been reported that various allergies have occurred on the skin of babies due to the use of substandard soaps.