Exclusion from Ways and Means Committee Champika Ranawaka drops bombshell: Those involved in sugar scam, liquor deals behind it

MP Patali Champika Ranawaka alleges that his exclusion from the parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means was influenced by individuals connected to the sugar scam and liquor deals.

Sri Lanka cannot depend on other nations forever: Ruwan

Imagine what concessions the people of this country could enjoy if Ranil rules for five more years

Sri Lanka reports first arrest under Online Safety Act

The suspect had maliciously carried out smear campaigns with the support of a politician

India’s invitation came in December;

Claiming that the NPP’s visit to India was not a sudden visit, NPP MP Vijitha Herath , who took part in the visit, said yesterday the invitation had come last December but was deferred to February due to tight sch

Online Safety Act: Amendments to be cleared by Cabinet today

The new amendments to the recently introduced Online Safety Act will be presented to the Cabinet for approval today, an official said. The government took steps hurriedly to amend the law immediately after it took effect, following pressure from tech companies such as Google, Yahoo, Amazon and Meta and the international community. The tech companies argued the

Legal action taken against DMT staff for fraudulent vehicle registrations

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has initiated legal proceedings against seven individuals, including five Department of Motor Traffic employees, for unlawfully register

Unhealthy air quality grips Sri Lanka, urges caution

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has issued a stark warning, revealing that air quality in several regions across the island has plunged to unhealthy levels.

President, Indian PM, Mauritius PM to witness UPI launch in Sri Lanka

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth will witness the launch of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, and also RuPay card services in Mauritius today at 1.00 PM via video conferencing, a statement from the Indian High Commission said yesterday.

Graphic of the day

Defence Secretary, Army Commander asked to apologise to MP Weerakkody

The Privilege Committee of Parliament has recommended that Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne and Army Commander Vikum Liyanage must apologise to Parliamentarian Chandima Weerakkody for making threatening statements against the MP during a committee meeting inside Parliament Complex. The Privilege Committee has issu

Heated argument in Parliament over reinstated official

A heated exchange erupted in Parliament yesterday regarding the suspension and subsequent reinstatement of Udapalatha

Sri Lankan expatriate workers in Jordan return after factory closure ordeal

Expresses gratitude to an American customer who provided assistance

Tree uprooting racket in Sigiriya Forest Reserve busted

A large-scale racket of uprooting trees in Sigiriya forest reserve and selling them to a hotel project was foiled by the wildlife co

Asthma on the rise among children, parents urged to exercise caution

Heat and outdoor activities during sports season are contributing factors

Reports on higher tariffs in South Asia Reduce electricity tariffs by considerable amount: Sajith urges Govt.

Cites reports showing Sri Lanka’s electricity tariffs are 2.5-3 times higher than other South Asian nations

SJB Lawyers ready to propose legal reforms

Proposes withdrawal of Online Safety Bill and introduction of a new one

NPP asserts readiness to change its polices if need arises

Reiterates willingness to work with any party committed to anti-corruption efforts

Online Safety Act SLHRC concerned over compliance with Supreme Court determination

Commission observes that over thirty clauses in the Bill and certain omissions in the Bill were inconsistent with the Sri Lankan Constitution

Government stands firm on Visumpaya price despite investor dispute

Agrees to investor’s request for reassessment by a chartered valuer within 6 months

Champika Ranawaka excluded from the Ways and Means Committee

Opposition yet to nominate its members for the Ways and Means Committee

NGOs spend billions unchecked new law soon to monitor them

In the wake of reports that as much as over half of funds received by various NGOs are spent without any monitoring, the government is in the final stage of evolving a new law that provides for compulsory registration of all such organiz

Sri Lanka’s efforts to nab overseas criminals hit a snag

Sri Lanka’s efforts to arrest organized criminals operating from overseas has hit a snag following the Court of Appeal in France ruling against the extradition of criminal called ‘Kudu Anju’, Daily Mirror learns. The ruling has been

State revenue up by 25 percent in Jan. after VAT increase

State revenue has increased by 25 percent in January after the VAT increase, recording Rs. 274 billion in January 2024, whereas the estimated state revenue was Rs. 219 billion, State Minister of Finance Ranji

Sri Lanka tops South Asia with highest electricity charges

In a recent analysis comparing electricity charges across South Asian countries, Sri Lanka emerges with the highest household electricity costs, prompting concerns among the public regarding the burden on consumers. The analysi

Largest inscription from Dimbulagala of 2nd century BC or earlier found

There are several rare symbols, which have never been seen by officials through their previous inscriptions

Govt. raises monthly allowances for vulnerable groups

The Government has announced an increase in the monthly allowances for disabled individuals, kidney patients and elderly citizens, effective January 2024, Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said.

No report yet on female giraffe’s death; unhappy with zoo management: Union

The Sri Lanka Podujana Zoological Garden Employees’ Union today claimed that they are unhappy with the activities of the administration of the Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala adding that there is still no re

Anura Kumara’s visit to India a welcome move: Vajira

The visit of National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India is a welcome move and it is expected that his party will work with the present government, UNP MP and Chairman

Opposition must make commitment to abrogate repressive laws: Purawesi Balaya

Purawesi Balaya, one of the leading civil society movements yesterday called on all Opposition parties to make a commitment before the people to abrogate all repressive laws such as the Online Safety Act and the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act, in the event they come to power at the next election. The co-conve

Lakdhanavi commits to Greener Future with signing of PPA for 100MW solar project Sri Lanka’s first large scale solar project

In a historic move towards sustainable energy, Rividhanavai (Private) Limited and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) entered into a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a groundbreaking 100MW solar PV project at Siyambalanduwa yesterday . This milestone venture stands as the first large-scale solar initiative in Sri Lanka, symbolizing a pivotal shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. At the forefront of th