State coffers lose billions as Customs officers enjoy unfair benefits

The state coffers have been deprived of billions of rupees, as Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) officers enjoy unfair benefits in penalties related to customs offenses and overtime pay, a special audit carried out by the Auditor General on the management/administration of various funds in SLC revealed.

Starlink: Govt. initiates drafting new telecommunication regulations

In the wake of plans by tech baron Elon Musk to visit Sri Lanka later this year, the government has initiated the process of evolving fresh regulations to facilitate the launch of Starlink satellite internet service, a Minister said yesterday.

SL proposes 10% levy on annual profits of global tax evasion assets

In an effort to support blended finance projects focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation, Sri Lanka proposed a 10 percent levy on the annual profits of global tax evasion assets deposited in tax havens.

Thai delegation in SL to explore opportunities in renewable energy

A delegation comprising officials representing Thai agencies and private sector is in Sri Lanka to explore feasibility and understand the potentials in future cooperation and investment in renewable energy, particularly in the electricity generation in Sri Lanka.

Man shot dead in Kalutara

An individual was shot dead by two unidentified men who arrived on a motorcycle at Katukurunda in Kalutara.

Sri Lanka declares tomorrow a day of mourning for Iranian President

Sri Lanka declares tomorrow as a day of mourning in view of the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

Anura ready for debate with Sajith on June 6: Nalinda Jayatissa

NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake is ready to participate in the proposed debate with Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa on June 6, NPP Executive Committee member Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Sri Lanka to get Octane 100 petrol soon

Sri Lanka is about to receive 100 Octane premium petrol, known as XP100 rating fuel, which helps enhance the performance of vehicles, particularly high-end luxury cars and bikes.

ASP Minura Senarath appointed Acting Director of Police Media Division

Assistant Superintendent of Police W. M. Minura Senarath has been appointed as the Acting Director of the Police Media Division by IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.

ICC prosecutor seeks arrest of Israeli and Hamas leaders

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has applied for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas’s leader in Gaza for war crimes.

Pakistani woman nabbed with heroin worth over Rs. 70 mn at BIA

A Pakistani woman who arrived from Abu Dhabi this morning was arrested by the Customs Narcotic Control Unit at the Katunayake International Airport (BIA) while attempting to smuggle into the country a stock of 02.450 kilograms of heroin.

Court prevents Wijedasa functioning as SLFP Chairman

The Colombo District Court today issued an enjoining order preventing Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe PC and Attorney-at-Law Keerthi Udawatta from functioning as Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Chairman and party Acting General Secretary respectively.

Police Sub Inspector arrested with illicit liquor, distilling gear

A police Sub Inspector (SI) who had in his possession a stock of 14 litres of illicit liquor and distilling equipment was arrested by Thirappane Police during a raid on his house.

Four ISIS terrorists hailing from Sri Lanka arrested at Ahmedabad airport

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested four ISIS terrorists, all of whom are Sri Lankan nationals, at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.

SLPP has not requested President to hold general elections first: Sagara Kariyawasam

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has not requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe to hold a general election first but only conveyed the opnion of the SLPP to the President, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said today.

Suspect arrested for sending over 100 persons to Russia on tourist visas

A person was arrested in Dehiwala for facilitating over 100 individuals to go to Russia on tourist visas, police said.

Businessman arrested for assaulting Iranian Ambassador, further remanded

The businessman from Colombo 7 who was arrested and remanded over the alleged assault on Iranian Ambassador Dr. Alireza Delkhosh at the Colombo City Center (CCC) car park, has been further remanded till May 22.

Will stop MPs’ moves to obtain vehicle permits: Anura Kumara

Claiming that 82 MPs have requested vehicle permits, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said they would take possible steps to stop the move.

Hold Presidential, General elections simultaneously: SJB MP

Responding to speculations made on the political platform that a general election will precede a Presidential election, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harshana Rajakaruna today urged the authorities to hold the Presidential and General elections simultaneously.

Sri Lanka deeply shocked by tragic death of President Raisi: Ranil

Sri Lanka is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian and other senior Irani officials, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said in a messege on X.

Elon Musk to visit Sri Lanka this year to launch Starlink

Elon Musk has accepted an invitation by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to visit Sri Lanka this year to launch his Starlink satellite internet service, the Daily Mirror learns.

Chief prelates urge Presidential pardon for Ven. Gnanasara Thera on Vesak Poya day

Recognising the efforts of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera in promoting national unity and social support, the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu, Asgiri, Ramanna Nikaya, and the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha have appealed to the President to grant Ven. Gnanasara Thera a pardon on Vesak Poya day.

Iran’s President Raisi, Foreign Minister die in helicopter crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister died when their helicopter crashed as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog, an Iranian official told Reuters on Monday.

What happens if an Iranian president dies in office?

Iranian President Raisi and the officials accompanying him are feared dead after the Red Crescent says it has found “no signs of the helicopter’s occupants being alive” at the crash site.

Total of 10,299 people affected, two injured due to rain, drought

A total of 10,299 people from 3,518 families have been affected, while two have been injured due to the prevailing weather conditions, Disaster Management Centre Deputy Director Thusitha Waidyarathne said.

None of the rivers have reached flood levels

None of the rivers have reached flood level so far due to the heavy rains yesterday, according to the data collected by the Irrigation Department, Irrigation (Hydrology) Director Eng. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara Bandara said.

March outstanding credit card balance stands at Rs. 148.7 bn

Outstanding credit card balance of the licensed commercial banking sector has little changed in March from February despite an uptick signaling the trend that would follow as the consumers grow more optimistic about the economy. The interest rates have fallen to single digit levels.

Govt. revenue in January surge 62% on economic turnaround, higher taxes

The revenue to the government, including the grants, rose by a staggering 61.8 percent in January 2024. This is a result of the government raking in billions of rupees out of people’s pockets to appease the International Monetary Fund’s revenue targets.

MR, Sabry pray for well being of Iranian President

In the wake of the tragic incident involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Ali Sabri have extended their heartfelt prayers to the Iranian people.

Iran helicopter crash: President Ebrahim Raisi dies

Iranian media has confirmed the death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, aged 63, and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian following a helicopter crash in the country’s mountainous province of East Azerbaijan.