All doubts over Sri Lanka’s ability to overcome economic crisis vanish: Semasinghe

The doubts that existed among all parties on whether Sri Lanka will be able to overcome the economic crisis have disappeared, Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said.

Police clamp down on Traffic light beggars, warn public against donations

The Police Department today urged people not to give money to those begging from them in vehicles stuck at traffic lights within the Colombo city limits.

Booze banned at May Day rally venues

The Excise Department of Sri Lanka has prohibited the sale of all kinds of alcoholic beverages in Divisional Secretariat areas in the country where May Day rallies and processions are held on Wednesday, May 1.

Asia Rugby Division 1 Championship begins tomorrow

Colombo is set to witness an exhilarating clash of talents as the Asia Rugby (AR) Division 1 Championship will kick-off at the Racecourse Grounds tomorrow.

Fire reported at girls’ college hostel in Weligama

A fiire has reportedly broken out in a girls’ college hostel in Weligama.

Pope will decide on Cardinal Ranjith’s retirement date: Fr. Jude Krishantha

Pope Francis will decide as to when Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith should retire, Director of Communications, the Archdiose of Colombo Fr. Jude Krishantha said today.

Fowzie noticed to appear before court over corruption case

The Colombo High Court issued a notice today directing Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) parliamentarian A.H.M. Fowzie to appear before Court on May 22 over the indictment filed against him on corruption charges.

O/L exam students to begin A/L classes immediately

Students sitting for the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination will start the GCE Advanced Level (A/L) classes immediately after their exams, Education Minister Susil Premajyantha said.

Over 500 overseas players registered for LPL 2024

The fifth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 has seen interest from over 500 players from overseas, ready to take the field in the upcoming edition.

Prisoner swallows fluorescent light, hospitalised

An inmate of the Dumbara prisons who swallowed a fluorescent light bulb was admitted to the Kandy National Hospital.

No sports skills considered for school admissions

The Education Ministry has announced that government schools and government-approved private schools will no longer admit students to intermediate grades based on sports skills.

Attempt to send 17 year-old-boy to London on forged documents foiled

An attempt to send a 17-year-old boy abroad on forged travel documents was foiled and two women suspected of their involvement in the racket were arrested by the Border Surveillance Unit of the Department of Immigration and Emigration at the Bandaranaike International Airport.

BASL urges President to remove Minister Alles

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed serious concern over recent remarks made by Minister Tiran Alles, and urging President Ranil Wickremesinghe to remove him from the portfolio of Public Security.

Deadline for accepting donations for Gaza Fund extended till May 31

The deadline for the Children of Gaza Fund, initiated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to aid those affected by conflicts in Gaza, has now been extended till May 31, 2024, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Japanese Foreign Minister to visit Sri Lanka

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Yoko Kamikawa is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from 04-05 May 2024.

Seven hospitalsed following brawl at Menikhinna Hospital

Seven individuals were hospitalised following a brawl between the staff of the Menikhinna Hospital and a group of people who had come to admit a patient.

SJB to hold two May Day rallies

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is to hold two May Day rallies this year, with one rally to be held in Colombo and the other in Nuwara Eliya.

New Zealand name T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Experienced batter Kane Williamson has been named captain as New Zealand became the first team to announce their squad for June’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Airport facial recognition leads to arrest of Angoda Lokka’s associate

An associate of organized criminal Maddumage Lasantha Chandana Perera alias ’Angoda Lokka’, was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake.

Showers of 100 mm after 1 p.m. today

Due to the effect of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, heavy showers above 100 mm will occur in most provinces of the island after 1 p.m., the forecasting division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Mullaitivu man claims to be tallest in Sri Lanka

A man in Mullaitivu District claimed to be the tallest person in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka settles 35 out of 250 million dollars owed to Iran

Sri Lanka had settled US $ 35 million out of US$ 250 million owed to Iran for oil purchased in 2012, an official said.

Five police officers sentenced to life with rigorous imprisonment

Five police officers including the then OIC of the Bharatipuram Police Station in the Trincomalee District were sentenced to life with rigorous imprisonment after being convicted over an incident that happened 26 years ago.

Political tremors expected on May Day: Ruwan

Political tremors are expected on May Day (Wednesday) as members of a few political parties are expected to appear at the UNP May Day rally, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said over the weekend.

SLFP faction distances from Maithri’s claims

In an effort to nip any discord with India in the bud, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) faction led by Nimal Siripala de Silva as acting chairman called on Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and disassociated itself from remarks by its former Chairman Maithripala Sirisena implicating alleged Indian involvement in orchestrating the Easter Sunday attacks, an informed source said.

Apparel sector revenue totals US$ 1.17 bn in 1Q24

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry saw its revenue cross the US$ 1 billion mark in the first quarter (1Q24) with exports expanding by 7.7 percent in March.

CB optimistic of stability amidst ongoing economic reforms

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka sounded optimistic about Sri Lanka witnessing stability on multiple fronts, provided that the ongoing ambitious reforms and economic adjustments underpinned by the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) continue without any interruptions.

Ehelepola Walawwa to become first wax museum in Sri Lanka

Following the transfer of the renovated Ehelepola Walawwa to the Sri Dalada Maligawa by the Urban Development Authority (UDA), it will be transformed into a wax figure museum, preserving its archaeological and cultural significance, Sri Dalada Maligawa Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said.

Indian Coast Guard seizes narcotics bound for Sri Lanka, 14 Pakistani nationals held

The Indian Coast Guard carried out an intelligence-based anti-narcotics operation and seized narcotics worth Rs 600 crore from a Pakistani boat named ’Al-Raza’ and apprehended 14 crew members who belonged to Balochistan.

Man runs onto tarmac before trying to board Sri Lanka-bound flight at Sydney airport

A brazen intruder was captured walking across a jet bridge and onto a busy tarmac before he tried to board a nearby plane at an Australian airport.