SL’s attempt to secure big onions from India fails

Sri Lanka’s attempt to secure an exemption from India on its ban on big onion exports has not materialized resulting in importers looking to other markets for purchases at higher costs, Daily Mirror learns. India’s ban on the export of onions has driven up prices in countries like Sri Lanka. India, the world’s biggest exporter of onions, banned shipments on December 8, 2023 after domestic prices more than doubled in three months following a drop

Strike called off but patients left in the lurch

Despite trade union healthcare workers deciding to suspend the strike action, the two-day strike left patients inconvenienced and brought healthcare services to a standstill. The strike, which commenced at 6.30 am on February 13th, also resulted in long queues at nationwide pharmacies owned by the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation, as medications remain unavail

DDR process has cost Sri Lanka Rs.760 billion; Patali

Domestic Debt Restructuring (DDR) has cost Sri Lanka a staggering Rs 760 billion, Member of Parliament and former chairman Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means Patali Champika Ranawaka said yesterday. MP Ranawak

Technology remains uncertain in Sri Lanka

Government and telecom operators remain committed to launching 5G technology commercially

To install solar panels Pay attention to direction of the sun when building new houses: P’mentary Committee

Attention was also paid towards encouraging the use of LED bulbs to reduce electricity consumption

SC rules against an overholding tenant after 21 years legal battle

The three defendants were ordered to pay Rs. 600,000 as legal costs to the plaintiff

Beware of crocodiles in Colombo’s waterways

Diyawannawa, Bolgoda Lake South, and Kelani Ganga are found to be the habitats for crocodiles for a long time

NMRA Board members resign amid allegations

Attorney-at-Law Manoj Gamage, Supul Wijesinghe and Dr Priyantha Serasinghe have conveyed their decision to step down as Directors of the NMRA

Three airports to be managed by Adani group

Despite Tourism Minister Harin Fernando’s remarks that there are plans to work with Indian industrialist Gautam Adani’s led Adani Group to manage three airports of the country, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal S

Sri Lanka’s plan to downsize military Tri-forces halt general recruitment

Sri Lanka Army reduces cadre to nearly 150,000

Hospital services in dire straits as strike enters second day

Sri Lanka Army deploys troops at government hospitals to support operational activities

Sajith is losing control of SJB: Range Bandara

Says he is welcome to join the UNP

Fraudulent sale of subsidized fertilizer Ten top officials of fertilizer companies are to be arrested

Some ten top-ranking officials of five fertilizer companies are to be arrested soon by the CID for defrauding the state of over a billion rupees by selling fertilizer that was meant to be distributed among farmers as subsidies, to outsiders at exorbitant prices. Sources from

Customs seize Rs.150Mn worth readymade garments imported from Malaysia

Sri Lanka Customs yesterday thwarted an attempt to smuggle four container loads of readymade garments worth over Rs.150 million imported from Malaysia, which had been falsely declared as fabric. Officials of

Health Ministry admits glass particles being found in ‘Meropenem’ drug

The Health Ministry has initiated an investigation following allegations made by health trade unions regarding the haphazard storage of drug consignments at Customs terminals in Welisara, Wattala, and Kelaniya. Speaking to t

Alleged construction of reservoirs in Sinharaja forest: Court issues notices on Environment Minister

The Court of Appeal yesterday issued notices to the Minister of Environment, Central Environmental Authority and several others in connection with the writ petition filed challenging the construction of reservoirs

Senior Grama Niladhari arrested for alleged sexual abuse of female colleague

A senior Grama Niladhari of Kalpitiya Divisional Secretariat was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a female Grama Niladhari of the area. The victim has stated to police that she first made a complaint to the Divisional Secretary, but he f

SriLankan flight makes emergency landing in Melbourne over technical issue

SriLankan Airlines confirms that flight UL 605 from Melbourne to Colombo made a safe return back to the Melbourne Airport shortly after taking off at 18:16hrs (Melbourne time) today due to a technical issue. All passengers onboard disembarked safely. A team of engineers is currently assessing the aircraft and providing technical support. All passengers have been provided with hotel accommodation until the flight is rescheduled for departure

Job Agent responds to allegations regarding runaway maid’s employment in Saudi Arabia

In response to recent allegations surrounding the employment of Kumuduni Sandya Kumari Senevirathna as a housemaid in Saudi Arabia, her job recruitment agent ‘S.S.J Travels (Pvt) Ltd’ has stepped forward with a detailed clarification regarding her employment history through the Saudi Embassy in Colombo.

Children encouraged to bathe for 20 minutes during heatwave

In the wake of the rising temperatures, medical experts have advised parents to make sure their children have a bath for twenty minutes per d

Muslim women leaders seek amendments to marriage law

Delegation says, the Preamble of Marriage Ordinance Act 19 of 1908 has excluded Muslim women from the marriage laws

Launch of UPI Services virtually in Sri Lanka and Mauritius PM Narendra Modi emphasizes strengthening financial connectivity

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi who virtually joined the launch of the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, highlighted strengthening financial connectivity as its key component of connectivity between the two countries.

EC says no budget allocation for a General Election in 2024

Elections Commissioner Saman Ratnayake said that they made a request for Rs. 10 billion in August 2023 to conduct a Presidential Election

Wild elephants waiting to feed on stubble

Herds of wild elephants from Buddhangala sanctuary in Ampara roaming into the paddy fields after harvest to feast on crop stubb

No breeze, more heat in Sri Lanka

This phenomenon is not unusual and occurs during this time of year

Abolition of Executive Presidency Political dialogue raises concerns over attempt to delay Presidential Elections

In what appeared to be a last-ditch attempt to postpone the Presidential Election, public discussion has been initiated by some politicians on the need to scrap the executive presidency to vest more powers with the parliamentary system.

Cash stolen in Meegoda Economic Centre robbery; Female Clerk injured

A female employee in a wholesale store in the Meegoda Economic Centre received serious gunshot injuries when two gunmen who entered the business establishment shot her and took away a cash collection. She was admitted to Homagama Base Hospital. Police said she

Rs 20Bn needed for presidential and general elections

A total sum of Rs 20 billion is needed for the presidential and general elections, Director General Election commission Saman Sri Ratnayake said. Ratnayake told journalists that he had already informed this matter to Parliament and to the finance ministry.

SLFP will support abolition of Executive Presidency

Sri Lanka Freedom Party ( SLFP) will support the abolition of the Executive presidency, it’s Chairman Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday.

Surge in shootings amidst intensified crackdown on crime

Amidst an intensified crackdown on crime and narcotics, Sri Lanka is witnessing a surge in shootings again despite a decrease in the first month of the launch of the ‘Yukthiya’ operation. As the “Yukthiya” operation against organized crime gains momentum, concerns have mounted regarding the recent shooting incidents. According to po