23 train services cancelled amid strike

A total of 23 train services have been cancelled due to the trade union action launched by the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) and Train Controllers.

COPF urges Finance Ministry to probe irregularities in imports of vehicles by expatriate workers

Whilst highlighting that 66 percent of vehicles imported by Sri Lankan expatriates have been done through two vehicle importing companies, chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Harsha de Silva said today that his committee has requested the Finance Ministry to probe these irregularities.

Station Masters, Controllers must report by noon or be considered as having vacated posts

The Railways Department issued a final announcement requesting all Station Masters and Controllers to report for duty by noon today.

Dullas Alahapperuma-led alliance aligns with SJB

Nidahasa Janatha Sabawa (NJS) led by MP Dullas Alahapperuma has announced its decision to form an alliance with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

Station Masters’ Union Executive Committee gathers to determine next course of action

Following the Railways Department’s announcement yesterday, the Executive Committee of the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) has decided to convene shortly to determine their next course of action.

Dubai based gangsters orchestrated shooting; Kanjipani Imran suspected mastermind

Investigations with regard to the shooting in Athurugiriya where two persons including Club Wasantha were killed, revealed that two underworld criminals, ’Loku Patti’ and ’Gona Kovile Shantha,’ currently hiding in Dubai, directly orchestrated the operation to kill Club Wasantha.

Lankan with Malaysian passport worth Rs.9mn nabbed at BIA

A Sri Lankan national who tried to leave the country for Austria with a Malaysian passport, which he had obtained by paying Rs.9 million to a scammer, was nabbed by the Immigration and Emigration Department officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Tourist arrivals pick up pace in July

Sri Lanka welcomed over 43,000 international visitors in the first week of July, a significant pickup in the tourist inflow rate from last month.

Post-crisis construction interest surpasses economic boom levels: Industry

Sri Lanka’s construction industry, crippled by poor policies and crisis events, is bouncing back with renewed vigor, industry leaders said, as they see a surge in interest surpassing even the boom times of economic growth.

New emergency waiting area unveiled at Mirihana Women’s Bureau

A new Emergency Waiting Area at the Mirihana Women and Children’s Bureau was officially inaugurated today, July 9, 2024, marking a crucial step in bolstering support for vulnerable populations affected by gender-based violence (GBV).

Gemunu threatens strike if President raises VAT for public servants’ salary hike

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) warned today that if the President decides to raise the current Value Added Tax (VAT) to meet the public servants’ salary increase demands, they will resort to trade union action with the participation of all private associations.

Absent station masters to be considered vacated

The Railways Department stated that all Station Masters who do not report for duty tomorrow will be considered as having vacated their positions.

No seniority requirement for next AG: Govt. to Bar Association

In response to queries from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) regarding the appointment of the next Attorney General following the retirement of Sanjay Rajaratnam, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake clarified that there is no constitutional obligation to appoint the senior-most officer from the Attorney General’s Department based solely on seniority.

Mail trains cancelled due to Station Masters’ strike

The Railways Department has decided to cancel the scheduled mail trains due to a strike by Station Masters and Train Controllers starting from midnight today.

Gautam Gambhir announced as new India head coach

Star of India’s title-winning campaign in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2011, Gautam Gambhir has been named as the new head coach of the India men’s cricket team.

Chandimal, Mendis steer Kandy Falcons to second win

In a high-scoring contest, Kandy Falcons came from behind with a vengeance to pull off a seven-wicket win over Jaffna Kings in their Lanka Premier League (LPL) T20 Cricket Tournament match played at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium.

Pistol found in possession of Club Wasantha’s wife illegal

Police authorities have confirmed that the pistol found in possession of the wife of slain ‘Club Wasantha’ is illegal.

Doubts arise over timely payment of pensions

Concerns have arisen among pensioners regarding the timely disbursement of pensions for July amidst the ongoing strike by public sector employees.

Sri Lanka Telecommunications Bill passed in Parliament

The Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill was passed without a vote in Parliament today with amendments.

Pathum Nissanka smashes highest individual score in LPL history

The group-stage round of Lanka Premier League 2024 is halfway-through. Jaffna Kings led by Charith Asalanka are top of the table with 6 points in 4 games, while Wanindu Hasaranga-led Kandy Falcons are last with just 2 points in four matches.

Russia to discharge Indians from military

Russia has agreed to discharge all Indian nationals working in its army following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin during Modi’s visit to Moscow, news agency ANI reported citing unnamed sources.

Seven including Tattoo Shop owner arrested over Athurugiriya shooting

Police have apprehended seven individuals, including the owner of the tattoo shop in connection with the shooting incident in Athurugiriya resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including Club Wasantha.

Special payment for employees who reported to work amid strike

The Government has announced a special pay increment for non-executive government officials who reported for duty on July 8 and 9, 2024, despite the ongoing strike action.

Ven. Sobitha Thera urges PUCSL for 50% electricity tariff cut

During a public consultation on the second electricity tariff revision, Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera requested the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) to reduce the electricity tariff by at least 50 percent.

Two million SIM cards in use without proper identities: Minister

State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath revealed that some two million SIM cards without proper identifications were in use in the country which had posed serious issues in tracing certain incidents of crimes.

Census for 2nd phase of ’Aswasuma’ to be conducted from July 15 to 30

The Welfare Benefits Board is to conduct an information census for the second phase of the ’Aswasuma’ programme from July 15 to 30 to identify those eligible for these welfare payments, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

If China’s toque monkey programme successful, it may attract interest from other countries

If the programme to provide toque monkeys to zoos in China proves successful, other countries may also request toque monkeys, which will help in reducing crop damage caused by these animals, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

200 more public sector unions on strike today

Over 200 public sector unions launched a sick leave campaign yesterday (8), which continues today (9), according to the Provincial Public Service Unions Collectiv

Coastal line train services disrupted

Train services on the coastal line have been disrupted due to a derailment between Maradana and Fort Railway stations this morning, the Railways Department said.

Kadiravel Shanmugam sworn in as MP

Kadiravel Shanmugam was sworn in as an MP before Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena today.