Interest rate on EPF to be increased to 13%: Siyambalapitiya

Steps would be taken to increase the interest rate of the Employee’s Provident Fund (EPF) from the existing 9 percent to 13 percent with effect from 2023, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Overseas Sri Lankans back NPP this time like they backed Gota in 2019: Anura Kumara

Claiming that overseas Sri Lankans played a key role in bringing former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to power in the 2019 Presidential election, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the National People’s Power has been the main choice of the overseas Sri Lankans this time.

Sri Lankan students excel at International Creativity and Innovation Awards in Thailand

Sri Lankan students from the Burhani Serendib School in Colombo who participated in the International Creativity and Innovation Awards 2024 in Thailand won the Titanium award (second highest) for their exceptional display in the field of robotics, in the finals held today.

Public warned over individuals misleading investors, job seekers, visa applicants

The public are urged to exercise caution over certain individuals who are misleading investors, job seekers and visa applicants while claiming to hold positions within the Presidential Secretariat.

World Economic Forum gets underway in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is hosting the first-ever special meeting of the World Economic Forum in the capital, Riyadh, which will discuss many important issues such as international cooperation, growth, and energy during the period 28th -29th April 2024, Saudi Ambassador Khalid Hamoud Alkahtani said .

Teen girl injured in Minneriya shooting dies

The 17-year-old girl who was injured in a shooting incident at Girithale in Minneriya recently, died while undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Over 7,000 soldiers granted legal discharge in Sri Lanka Army amnesty

More than 7,000 soldiers who deserted the Sri Lanka Army have received legal discharge during an amnesty period declared by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence.

Sri Lanka go on top of Group A of Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier

The second matchday of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024 witnessed the Netherlands, Uganda and Zimbabwe record important first wins while Sri Lanka made it two wins in two.

Human skeletons recovered in Muhamalai demining site

A group of non-governmental organization workers, engaged in demining activities in Muhamalai in the Pallai police area, discovered a uniform along with several human skeletons buried in the ground today.

Indian govt allows onion export to Sri Lanka & 5 more countries

The central government has allowed the export of 99,150 MT onion to six countries, Bangladesh, UAE, Bhutan, Bahrain, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka-Russia discuss defence cooperation, cyber security

Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne met Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation where they discussed a wide range of topics, including counter-terrorism efforts, cyber security and defence cooperation, the Ministry of Defence said.

Heavy showers expected in several provinces

The Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory forecasting heavy showers above 75 mm in certain regions of the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts.

Top US official holds talks with President for further support for food security

Alexis Taylor, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), together with U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and other senior government officials to discuss USDA support for Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, a statement from the US Embassy said.

Police arrest suspect with 30 kgs of Ice, hash

A 30-year-old man was arrested by the Biyagama Police in Kaduwela for possession of a substantial haul of narcotics.

Controversy over child smuggling to Malaysia: Children sent abroad for higher education purposes: CID

The claims over children being sent from Sri Lanka to Malaysia, which raised concerns of many regarding the fate of the children being sent abroad, took a fresh turn when the police found that the children were sent for higher education purposes, the Daily Mirror learns.

Govt. concerned over project implementation at snail’s pace

Ahead of the presidential election, the government has allocated Rs.100 million for each divisional secretariat area for development projects and instructed the ruling party MPs to accelerate implementation of them, Daily Mirror learns.

Government delays decision on future of oil palm cultivation

The government has been sitting on an expert committee report on how to permit oil palm cultivation in identified Mahaweli areas and other areas, without deciding for nearly five months. According to the Agriculture and Plantation Industries Ministry, the ministry forwarded the report to the secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers on January 12. In November 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to appoint an expert committee to explore the possibi

Oil and gas exploration halted by prolonged legal dispute

Sri Lanka’s efforts to attract and leverage international investment into the exploration of oil and gas have once again been gridlocked by legal challenges in the Court of Appeal.

Tea auction offerings decline to 4.6 MnKgs this week

At the Colombo Tea Auction, the offerings declined to 4.6 million kilogrammes this week that was met with fair demand.

Mano Ganesan requests China to help Sri Lanka join BRICS

Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) leader Mano Ganesan said China plays a key role in the Asia-centric world today, and it should help Sri Lanka to join BRICS- the grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

Medical specialists concerned over changes in medical school admissions

The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) have raised concerns regarding proposed changes to the entry criteria for fee-levying medical undergraduate programs at the state-owned medical school of Kothalawala Defense University.

Two women stuck between two moving compartments

Two women were trapped between two compartments this evening while trying to board a moving train before it stopped, the Railways Department said.

Statement to CID - Maithripala has not implicated any Sri Lankans

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles told Parliament today (26) that former President Maithripala Sirisena, in his statement to the CID, did not disclose any information implicating a citizen of this country or any connection to a citizen in relation to the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

US to support Sri Lanka’s dairy modernization drive

In a bid to bolster Sri Lanka’s dairy industry, Alexis Taylor, the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), conferred with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on April 26.

Sri Lanka to establish new energy sector regulator

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to establish a dedicated regulator for the energy sector.

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

The dates for the 78th Bradby Shield rugby encounter between the traditional rivals Trinity College and Royal College have been confirmed.

Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thero granted bail

Five individuals, including Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thero, who were held in remand custody for allegedly defying a court order, was today ordered to be released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Sri Lanka to hand management of China-built airport to India, Russia companies

Sri Lanka will hand over management of its $209 million Chinese-built airport to two Indian and Russian companies, a cabinet statement said on Friday, as the island nation attempts to reduce losses from its state enterprises.

14-hour water cut in Colombo tomorrow: NWS&DB

Colombo residents are set to experience a 14-hour water cut tomorrow as the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced that water supply to several areas in the city will be suspended.

Indian heart gives new lease of life to Pakistani girl

The heart of a 69-year-old man who passed away earlier this year will continue to live, across the border, in Pakistan on a teenager.