Govt. yet to decide as it awaits committee recommendations

The government is yet to take a decision on the curtailment of perks and benefits of former presidents and their widows since it awaits the recommendations of the committee that has been appointed to look into it, a top source said.

Tensions in Middle East likely to pose risks to economy and fiscal operations: Finance Ministry

The Ministry of Finance outlined that recent tensions in the Middle East are likely to pose risks to the Sri Lankan economy and fiscal operations.

SL surpasses IMF annual primary surplus target

Sri Lanka has exceeded IMF’s annual primary surplus target with the primary surplus reaching estimated 2.1 percent of GDP during the first eight months of the year.

Sri Lanka take series lead against West Indies with comfortable win

Half centuries from captain Charith Asalanka and debutant Nishan Madushka helped Sri Lanka chase down a revised target to win the rain-affected first ODI against West Indies by five wickets in Pallekele.

New Zealand trump South Africa for first Women’s T20 World Cup title

An outstanding all-round performance by Amelia Kerr led New Zealand to their first ever Women’s T20 World Cup title as they beat South Africa by a commanding 32 runs in Sunday’s final in Dubai.

Police seize luxury vehicles from house of former Minister’s son-in-law

The Kandy Division Criminal Investigation Bureau has confiscated a BMW and a Pajero jeep, valued at approximately Rs. 60 million, from the residence of former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena’s son-in-law in Aniwatta, Kandy.

Additional allowance for school children through next budget: President

The government is expecting to increase salaries of public servants, provide an additional allowance for school children and increase the allowance for low income families through the budget for 2025 which is to be presented before March next year, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Will launch ’Clean Sri Lanka’ project to make Sri Lanka cleanest in Asian region: President

The Government will launch a special project ’Clean Sri Lanka’ aiming to make Sri Lanka the cleanest country in the Asian region, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Over 20 flights receive bomb threats today

More than 20 flights of Indian airlines received bomb threats on Sunday (October 20, 2024), according to sources.

Increase in complaints relating to online scams, cyber frauds: SLCERT

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) recorded nearly 8,000 complaints related to online scams, cyber frauds and issues concerning Facebook over the past nine months, SLCERT Senior Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola said.

SLPP to set up strategic committee targeting forthcoming elections

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has decided to set up a strategic committee to provide the necessary support for the successful conduct of the election and to provide leadership and correct guidance for future decisions.

Heavy rain of 100mm on the cards

The Meteorology Department has warned that some areas in the Northern Province could experience heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm.

Lohan’s private secretary found dead with gunshot injuries

A private secretary of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte was found dead with gunshot injuries in a house in Katugastota today.

Over 400 complaints related to General Elections

A total of 58 fresh complaints related to the upcoming parliamentary elections were received, taking the total number of complaints to over 400.

Three of same family die in house fire

Three members of the same family including a 15-year old girl were reportedly killed in a house fire in the Sinhapura area of Chilaw. 

Four killed within 24 hours due to road accidents

Police said that four persons, including a woman, have died in separate road accidents over the past 24 hours across Moronthuduwa, Kopai, Karandeniya and Kadawatha.

Crowded ferry dock collapses in Georgia, killing seven

At least seven people have died after part of a ferry dock collapsed in Georgia’s Sapelo Island on Saturday, local authorities say.

MR under threat more than any other leader, only six vehicles for him now

In response to the decision to recall vehicles assigned to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his media unit said that only six vehicles had been provided to the former President and steps had been taken to return three of them, including the ambulance, to the Presidential Secretariat on October 21.

President says he rejected Ranil’s request to have 16 chefs, 163 guards

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said he has denied a request from former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for extensive privileges, which included 16 chefs, 163 security personnel, 30 umbrellas and over 20 vehicles.

No threats detected on Vistara flight: Operations resume at BIA

The management of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) said that the emergency situation declared after the reported bomb scare on the Vistara flight which arrived at the BIA from Mumbai today, has been called off.

Drone ’launched towards’ Israeli PM Netanyahu’s home

A drone has been ’’launched towards’’ the private residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the coastal town of Caesarea, his office has said.

400 files related to corruption, fraud to be opened for action: AKD

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said there are 400 files related to corruption and fraud lying with the Attorney General and all of them will be opened for the institution of legal action.

Govt. recalls additional vehicles from MR, RW

The government has decided to recall additional vehicles assigned to former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe, according to a statement from the Government Information Department.

Bomb hoax grips Colombo bound flight from Mumbai

An emergency was declared at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) following a bomb hoax on the Colombo-bound Vistara flight from Mumbai, ten minutes before landing.

Indian naval ship INS Kalpeni arrives in Colombo

The Indian Navy’s ship, INS Kalpeni, arrived in Colombo today, the Indian High Commission said.

India- Sri Lanka trade dynamics have enormous potential - Vijitha Herath

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath said trade dynamics between India and Sri Lanka have immense potential.

Fresh twist in Easter attack probe

The debate over the alleged concealment of the reports on the series of deadly blasts that rocked Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, 2019 took a new turn yesterday with Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila seeking an appointment in writing with Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath to hand over what he said ‘all defence sensitive materials’ to him.

Government will follow proper criteria in releasing films: Minister

Claiming that allegations were rife that there had been irregularities and favouritism in releasing films, Media Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday the present government will formulate proper criteria and release films in a proper order without resorting to any such irregularity or favouritism.

Arjuna Herath appointed BOI chairman

Arjuna Herath has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka.

No new import levies imposed on five goods as reported: Finance Ministry

Refuting reports that the government had increased taxes on several imported goods, the Finance Ministry said the government had only extended the taxes imposed by the previous government.