Uncertainty and challenges on the cards: Ruwan

Uncertainty looms as Sri Lanka is to face unforeseen challenges as a group which tried to capture Parliament by force has entered the race to gain control of it, UNP General Secretary and Democratic Front candidate Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday.

SLAF earns $130 Million through Peacekeeping missions

Another contingent of the aviation unit, consisting of 20 officers and 88 airmen of the Sri Lanka Air Force, is scheduled to depart for the Central African Republic in the first week of December for peacekeeping missions.

Environmentalist attacked by Matale district election candidate

Environmentalist Nadira Weerasinghe was reportedly assaulted by a candidate from the Matale district, according to police. The dispute was related to a tax agreement involving the management of Laggala Hotel, located at Riverston.

Govt. goes strict on Galle Face

The government has decided to be strict on the reservation of Galle Face Green not only for religious activities but also for all festivals, musical shows, and celebrations subject to the appropriate criteria.

Five entities win BIA currency exchange counter bids worth Rs.2.3bn

Five entities have won bids to operate currency exchange counters for a period of three years at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, with their total bid worth exceeding Rs.2.3 billion.

CID launches probe into false health rumor targeting President

The Chief Colombo Magistrate’s Court today ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident of publishing false information about President Anura Dissanayake’s health condition during the last Presidential election.

No double standard on PTA: Government clarifies

In the wake of concerns raised by some parties over the government’s stance on the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Minister Vijitha Herath said today the government had not changed its stance on the need to amend or abolish PTA while stating that the PTA will be taken up for discussion in the new parliament.

Two arrested with ten rare Rath-Dothalu flowers in Ratnapura

Two individuals were arrested by the Wildlife Conservation Department’s Emergency Raid Unit while attempting to sell ten rare Rath-Dothalu flowers in the Moragahayata area of Ratnapura. According to wildlife officials, these flowers are often used as offerings to the Buddha.

Sierra Leonean among four arrested with cocaine in Sri Lanka

Four individuals, including a Sierra Leonean national, were arrested by the police for the possession of 59 cocaine capsules weighing nearly one kilogram.

Ratmalana canal turns red – CEA says not to panic

The Central Environment Authority (CEA) requested the public not to panic over a canal in Badowita area in Ratmalana suddenly turning into blood red last morning.

Ranil congratulates Trump on winning Presidency

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump wishing him success in his endeavours.

President congratulates US President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake congratulated Donald J. Trump on being elected as the 47th President of the United States.

Medical unit at PM’s office returned to Ministry of Health

The medical unit established at the Prime Minister’s office has been withdrawn and its staff and other equipment has been returned to the Health Ministry.

No trade unions, no May Day: Susil

Celebration of May Day should also be banned if trade unions are done away with as claimed by this government, former Minister Susil Premajayantha said today.

Karu Jayasuriya congratulates US President-elect Donald Trump

Karu Jayasuriya, former Speaker of the Parliament and President of the National Movement for Social Justice congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on his return to the prominent role in global leadership.

Azur Air resumes seasonal flight operations during winter

Azur Air launched direct seasonal flights to Sri Lanka today with 332 passengers, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) said.

Four Customs officials sentenced to 35 years for largest bribery scandal in Sri Lanka’s history

Four former senior Customs officials found guilty in connection with the largest-ever recorded bribe nabbed by the Bribery Commission in Sri Lanka, were sentenced today to 35 years of rigorous imprisonment by the Colombo High Court.

Trump claims victory after Fox News projects he has won US presidency

Trump was first elected president in 2016, defeating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and vowing to ’’Make America Great Again.’’

Government refutes curtailing CBK’s security; says 57 officers assigned

The government today refuted curtailing security detail of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga as claimed by her.

Court acquits Dr. Shafi of all charges

Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court has acquitted specialist Dr. Shafi Sihabdeen of all charges today (06).

Cabinet approves use of Galle Face Green for social events

Cabinet approval was granted to use Galle Face Green for various social activities, including festivals, musical events and other celebrations, subject to specific criteria.

China to supply 11.82 million metres of uniform fabric for schoolchildren in 2025

The Chinese government has agreed to supply a total of 11.82 million metres of fabric to be used as uniform material for schoolchildren in 2025.

Sri Lanka names squads for T20I and ODI series against New Zealand

The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has selected the squads to take part in the T20I and ODI series to be played against the New Zealand National Men’s Team.

Online appointment system for passports now available

The Department of Immigration & Emigration has launched the Online Passport Appointment System to make it easier for applicants to register for passport applications.

Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act will not be changed: Minister

The government will not change the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA), Minister Vijitha Herath said today.

Youth arrested for blackmailing individual through nude photos, videos

A 20-year-old man was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for blackmailing an individual and extorting Rs. 700,000 by threatening to release his nude pictures and videos on social media.

Animal Health Dept eases restrictions on African Swine Fever control

The Department of Animal Production and Health issued a gazette notification relaxing certain restrictions previously imposed to prevent the spread of and control infected areas affected by the African swine fever outbreak and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).

Two dead as vehicle swept away by strong currents in Thummodara canal

Two individuals drowned after their vehicle, which attempted to cross the Thummodara Canal on the Eswatta Manakada Road in Kosgama was swept away by strong water currents.

Lighting of crackers at election meetings a disturbance?

A recent incident which took place during an election meeting suggested that lighting crackers has become a disturbance. This incident seemed to have made the candidates contesting this year’s General Election to think that it is a disturbance.

SL rated ’medium risk’ for money laundering, terrorist financing

With Sri Lanka being identified as a country with medium risk for money laundering and terrorist financing even with the involvement of NGOs, the National NGO Secretariat signed a MoU with the Finance Intelligence Unit of Central Bank yesterday to step up national efforts in curbing such unlawful activities, an official said yesterday.