Japan set for new PM as Kishida bows out as party leader

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will not seek re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which he says needs a ’’new start’’.

Stunning conjunction of Mars, Jupiter visible tomorrow

Sri Lankans will have the opportunity to observe a Mars-Jupiter conjunction in the sky tomorrow morning, the Astronomy Department of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies said.

App to reduce deaths by elephants launched in India

The state of Assam in India has launched a mobile phone app aimed at reducing deaths caused by wild elephants.

Over 50 drugs fail quality tests in 2024

A total of 51 drugs have failed quality tests so far in 2024 recording the highest number of quality failures of drugs in a year, according to the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry.

Large apparel firms urged to lead country’s sustainability drive

As sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity for the textile and apparel industry, a top public official stressed that large industry players have an inherent responsibility and a larger role to play in guiding and supporting the whole industry on the path to sustainability.

Colombo Marina Development designated as primary venture with strategic development

Browns Investments’ Colombo Marina Development (Private) Limited venture has been designated as a primary venture with a strategic development in order to become eligible for a series of exemptions or incentives under the provisions of Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act.

Insurance watchdog announces plans to roll-out reforms as sector stalls

The Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL) yesterday announced plans to implement reforms aimed at strengthening the stability and resilience of the local insurance industry, as the sector grapples with economic challenges that have stalled its growth.

Two die in Malabe due to suspected chemical inhalation

Malabe Police have initiated an investigation following the deaths of two individuals who were admitted to the National Hospital, Colombo while in critical condition after inhaling a chemical substance at a residence in Kahantota, Malabe.

Tight security measures in place for Presidential nomination submissions

At least 1,000 police officers, including members of the Special Task Force, will be deployed around the Election Commission and surrounding areas on Thursday (15) to maintain security and law and order during the Presidential Election nomination submissions.

I am not overly concerned about my security: Anura Kumara

Claiming that he was not overly concerned about his security, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that anyone has the right to contest in elections and engage in election campaigns.

Teenager stabs five people at outdoor cafe in Turkey

A teenager has been detained after he videoed himself stabbing five people who were sitting in an open-air cafe in the northwestern Turkish city of Eskisehir.

Special disaster management programme during election period: State Minister

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has made arrangements to implement a special programme to confirm the right of voting for all eligible citizens in case of any emergency situation that may occur during this presidential election period.

36 presidential candidates now in the running

Four more candidates including Namal Rajapaksha from the Samabima Party placed cash deposits for the upcoming Presidential election today (13) pushing the total number of candidates to 36.

Gang rape of Thanamalwila school girl: Principal, three teachers arrested

Four suspects including a principal were arrested in connection with the rape of a 16- year- old girl by 22 schoolboys in Thanamalwila, Police said.

Approval granted for project to install solar panels on railway station buildings

Approval has been granted to implement projects for the installation and maintenance of solar panels on the roofs of stations and buildings owned by Sri Lanka Railways (SLR).

Departures for overseas jobs in July up by 15%, USD 566.8mn foreign remittances received

Compared to July 2023, the number of Sri Lankans seeking foreign employment in July 2024 has increased by 15%, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said.

Rajitha to support Ranil

Samagi Jana Balawegaya(SJB) MP Rajitha Senaratne pledged his support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe today.

Cabinet approves reconstruction of 172 disaster-affected houses

Government approval was granted to reconstruct 172 houses that had been affected by disasters, including floods and strong winds that occurred due to the activation of the south-west monsoon.

Government to import 3,000 MT of ginger in next three months

The government has decided to import 3,000 metric tons of ginger for the possibility of reducing the retail price of ginger to an affordable price for customers in the local market and facilitating the production of ginger.

MP Jagath Priyankara pledges support to President

Puttalam district leader of the Jathika Nidahas Peramuna, MP Jagath Priyankara pledged his support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe a short while ago.

10% water tariff to be reduced soon for low-income families: Bandula

A formula was introduced to reduce the water tariff for low-income families by 10 percent in the future, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

Premalal Jayasekara now says will support Namal Rajapaksa

State Minister Premalal Jayasekara also known as ’Choka Malli’, who had earlier declared his intention to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming election, has shifted his allegiance.

Reservoir of liquid water found on Mars

Scientists have discovered a reservoir of liquid water on Mars - deep in the rocky outer crust of the planet.

Starlink given license to operate in Sri Lanka from August 12

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has issued a Telecommunications Service Provider License under Section 17B of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act No. 25 of 1991 as amended, to Starlink Lanka (Private) Limited for the provision of Satellite Broadband Services in Sri Lanka.

Will Presidential Election budget of Rs 10Bn be exceeded?

The Election Commission is striving to conduct the upcoming Presidential Election within the allocated budget of Rs 10 billion, despite the number of candidates having now reached 30, said Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake.

Above 100 mm showers likely due to low-level atmospheric disturbance

Due to the low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, heavy showers above 100 mm are likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-Western Provinces, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

More than 47,000 people died in Europe last year due to heat

More than 47,000 people died in Europe due to scorching temperatures in 2023, with countries in the region’s south hit the hardest, according to a report by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) published on Monday.

Indian contingent arrives in Sri Lanka for ’Mithrashakthi’ exercise

An Indian Army contingent participating in the annual joint military exercise ’Mithrashakti’ arrived at the Mattala Airport yesterday.

I don’t believe in wooing MPs: SF

Presidential candidate Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said today that he does not believe in wooing MPs and posing for photographs with them.

Sri Lanka permits 12 foreign vessels this year despite research vessel ban; No Chinese ships docked

Sri Lanka has granted security clearance for at least 12 foreign vessels to dock at its ports this year, despite imposing restrictions on foreign vessels, the Daily Mirror learns.