More key politicians back out from contesting General Election

More key political figures have backed out from contesting the November 14 General Election, marking an end to their parliamentary careers and paving way for the new Parliament to have new faces representing the political parties.

Resigned Cey-Nor Chairman complains to police over Piyal Nishantha’s threats

The former Chairman of Cey-Nor Foundation Dr. Dulan Hettiarachchi who resigned last March owing to alleged threats by former Fisheries State Minister Piyal Nishantha has lodged a complaint with the police yesterday owing to the continuing threats.

Colombo Excise seize Rs.7.5Mn worth devil’s brew from Muthurajawela swamp

Colombo Excise Station busted a major illicit liquor manufacturing distillery carried out in the depths of Muthurajawela swamp and seized a large quantity of Kasippu worth over Rs.7.5 million yesterday.

PM seeks Thai help to rescue Sri Lankans in Myanmar’s cybercrime zone

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya today requested the Thailand Government to assist the Sri Lankan government in rescuing the Sri Lankans still held in the cyber crimes area in the Myawaddy district in Myanmar.

Over 150mm rain likely tomorrow

Due to the development of atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of the country, heavy showers above 150mm are likely in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts in the next 24 hours, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Meteorology Department said.

Reappointment of Shani Abeysekera to police service approved

The Police Commission has approved the reappointment of former SSP Shani Abeysekera to the Police service on a one-year contract, effective from today (10 October).

SriLankan flight to Riyadh encounters technical issue: Returns safely

SriLankan Airlines said that Flight UL 265 from Colombo to Riyadh safely returned to Colombo as a precautionary measure after encountering a technical issue mid-flight.

Written approval required for publishing President’s photographs

Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, has directed all government institutions to obtain written approval from the Presidential Secretariat prior to displaying the President’s photographs or messages on commemorative plaques or in designated celebration areas for various events.

11,000 acres from Kantale sugar company allocated to farmers

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed officials to allocate 11,000 acres of land, owned by the Kantale Sugar Company, to farmers for short-term crop cultivation.

Sri Lanka Air Force receives $19 Mn Beechcraft from US

The US government yesterday officially handed over a Beechcraft King Air 360ER, valued at $19 million, to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) for maritime surveillance and search-and-rescue operations.

Ruwan to contest Gampaha from New Democratic Front

United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader and Gampaha District Leader Ruwan Wijewardene is to contest the General Elections under the gas cylinder symbol of the New Democratic Front.

Bribery Commission gets new Director General

M.R.Y.K. Udawela has been appointed as the new Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

NPP’s national list includes candidate representing differently-abled community

For the first time in Sri Lankan history, the National People’s Power (NPP) has included a candidate representing the differently-abled community in its National List for the general election.

Pakistan’s Fatima Sana to leave Women’s T20 World Cup after father passes away

Fatima Sana is to depart from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after the passing of her father.

Israeli strike kills 28 sheltering in a school in central Gaza

An Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced people in central Gaza killed at least 28 people, including women and children, on Thursday, while three hospitals in the north were told to evacuate putting patients’ lives at risk, medics say.

Parents urged to watch for signs of depression after Lotus Tower tragedy

In the wake of the tragic incident where a 16-year-old girl fell to her death from the Lotus Tower, mental health experts are urging parents to be more attentive to the emotional well-being of their children.

Champika Ranawaka’s URF withdraws from election campaign

United Republic Front (UNF) Leader Patali Champika Ranawaka said they will withdraw from the general election campaign as the ’Samagi Jana Sandanaya’ has violated the agreement signed with them.

Travel ban imposed on Johnston

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court issued an order preventing former Parliamentarian Johnston Fernando from leaving the country in connection with an incident in which he allegedly used an unregistered luxury vehicle.

Strong winds, rough seas from Beruwala to Pottuvil

The Meteorology Department has issued a warning for seafarers regarding strong winds and rough seas along the coast from Beruwala to Galle and Pottuvil, including Hambantota.

Will not use state resources for election campaign: Lal Kantha

The National People’s Power (NPP) government will not use state resources for the general election and that they will show it in practice this time, NPP member Lal Kantha said today.

Tennis legend Nadal confirms retirement

Rafael Nadal announced on Thursday he will retire from professional tennis after the Davis Cup finals in November, ending a career in which he won 22 Grand Slam titles and Olympic singles gold.

Sri Lanka’s economy stabilises with growth expected to reach 4.4 % in 2024: WB

The Sri Lankan economy has stabilised with growth expected to reach 4.4 percent in 2024, surpassing earlier forecasts, the World Bank (WB) said today.

Anupa Pasqual’s two bank accounts frozen

The Colombo High Court issued an order freezing two bank accounts belonging to former State Minister Anupa Pasqual, for three months.

Landslides warnings issued for three districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) issued early warning today for landslides in the Galle, Kalutara and Matara districts.

Private sector employees to receive special leave for Elpitiya LG polls

The Election Commission has announced that private sector employees will be granted special leave to cast their votes at the upcoming Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha Elections 2024, scheduled for October 26, 2024.

SJB fields Rehan Jayawickreme from Matara district

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Weligama organiser and former Chairman of the Weligama Urban Council, Rehan Jayawickreme signed his nomination papers to contest the 2024 General elections.

Qatar to write off loans to boost private sector growth

Qatar is planning initiatives to boost private sector growth in the Gulf state, including writing off some loans to Qatari companies made during the COVID-19 pandemic, state media reported late on Wednesday.

Wimal’s party not to contest general election

Announcing that the National Freedom Front (NFF) will not contest the general elections, its leader Wimal Weerawansa stressed the need for the National People’s Power (NPP) government to secure a majority in parliament.

Bus catches fire at Madampe

A private bus travelling from Colombo to Embilipitiya caught fire at the Madampe area this morning, police said.

Eight Bangladeshi nationals nabbed with forged Siberian visa

Eight Bangladeshi nationals were arrested this morning at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to flee to Serbia using forged visas. The arrests were made during a joint operation by officers from the Immigration Department’s Border Surveillance Unit and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).