New Govt to set up mechanism to monitor, regulate private universities

The government is in the process of establishing a standard operating procedure (SOP) to regulate and monitor private universities –both in operation currently and to be established in the future-, an official said .

Exports decline in September despite apparel, services growth

Sri Lanka’s export earnings for September 2024 fell by 3.49 percent to US$ 937.95 million compared to a year earlier, with weaker demand for tea, rubber products, electronics, and seafood weighing on performance, according to data released by Sri Lanka Customs.

Central Bank refutes money printing claims

The claims on money printing are not accurate and are baseless, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said.

Tharjini offers to rebuild Sri Lanka Netball

Former Sri Lanka ace goal shooter Tharjini Sivalingam said she is ready to coach the national netball team if the governing body invites her.

Government expecting to reduce electricity tariffs by considerable amount: President

The government is focused on significant issues such as lowering energy prices, promoting foreign investments and restructuring the diplomatic service to facilitate enhancing market access, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

National Digital ID initiative to be completed within one-and-half years: President

While highlighting the critical importance of digitising Sri Lanka’s economy, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the implementation of a National Digital ID initiative will be completed within one-and-a-half years.

No money for public servants’ pay hike announced by previous Government: Vijitha

The government reiterated today that no financial allocation had been made for any pay hike for public servants in keeping with the recommendations by the committee headed by Udaya R. Senevirathne despite a Cabinet decision taken by the previous rule.

Housemaid arrested for stealing pilot’s luggage

Katunayaka, October 29 (Daily Mirror) - A 45-year-old Sri Lanka housemaid was arrested by airport police for stealing the luggage of a Colombian pilot.

Station Masters on strike tomorrow if President, Minister do not address their issues

If the President and the Minister do not address the administrative issues within the Railways Department, the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) has decided to launch a trade union action tomorrow.

Arugam Bay incident suspects held for 90 Days under Detention Order

Two suspects arrested in connection with security threats to foreign tourists in the Arugam Bay area are being detained for 90 days for further questioning, investigators informed court.

Student discovers lost Mayan city in Mexico jungle by accident

A huge Maya city has been discovered centuries after it disappeared under jungle canopy in Mexico.

Magazine found on Beliatta-Kandy express train

An ammunition magazine was found on an express train scheduled to leave from Beliatta to Kandy a short while ago, the Railways Department reported.

Hezbollah elects Naim Qassem to succeed slain head Nasrallah

Lebanese armed group Hezbollah said on Tuesday it had elected deputy head Naim Qassem to succeed slain secretary general Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli air attack on Beirut’s southern suburb over a month ago.

Ranil named respondent in FR petition challenging Deshabandu’s appointment as IGP

The Supreme Court today permitted the petitioners to add former President Ranil Wickremesinghe as a respondent in a Fundamental Rights petition filed challenging the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Johnston Fernando writes letter from prison?

The Department of Prisons today denied reports claiming that former Minister Johnston Fernando, currently in remand custody, had written a letter from prison.

570 train derailments reported since 2020

A total of 570 train derailment incidents, including those on railway lines and in railway yards, have been reported since 2020, according to the Railways Department.

Police on alert over alleged tourist activities in Arugam Bay

Police have initiated investigations into reports of tourists, including Israeli nationals, allegedly engaging in activities outside of leisure, such as business and religious practices, while on tourist visas in Arugam Bay.

Apply for passports only for urgent needs

Cabinet spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath today requested that public to apply for passports at the Immigration & Emigration Department only for urgent matters.

Probe launched into Sri Lankan HC in UK, his expenses: Minister

An investigation has been launched into the allegations of Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Rohitha Bogollagama and the expenses born by him, Cabinet spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath said today.

Contract awarded to M/s OQ Trading for 2025 LPG supply to Litro Gas

Approval has been granted to award the contract to M/s. OQ Trading Limited for the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to Litro Gas, Sri Lanka for the year 2025, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath said.

Lanka T10 Super League Player Draft set for November 10

The Player Draft for the inaugural Lanka T10 Super League will take place on November 10, 2024, in Colombo, the Sri Lanka Cricket said.

Government refutes printing money, obtaining foreign loans

While refuting reports of printing money under the new government, Cabinet spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath said today the government had neither printed money nor obtained loans from foreign countries or institutions.

Sale, distribution of pork suspended

A new gazette notification has been issued declaring all Divisional Secretary’s divisions in the country as “infected” or “suspected” areas due to the recent reports of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks among pigs.

150 injured in Kerala cracker tragedy, eyewitnesses recall ’’Ball Of Fire’’

More than 150 people were injured, 10 of them seriously, in a fireworks accident at a temple in Kerala’s Kasaragod district late last night. Shocking visuals from the spot showed crackers triggering a massive fire and a cloud of smoke as people gathered on the temple premises ran to safety.

Showers likely today in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-Western Provinces

Showers above 40 mm are likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts during the evening or night, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Australia T20 World Cup winner retires from international cricket

Australia veteran and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winner Matthew Wade has announced his retirement from international cricket.

Beware of ’Evil Twin’ attacks when using public Wi-Fi networks

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) is urging the public to exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi networks due to the risk of ’Evil Twin’ attacks.

Former Pradeshiya Sabha member murdered in Kegalle

A former Kegalle Pradeshiya Sabha member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna was found murdered in his home in Kossinna, Kegalle, police said.

Rs. 10 million contract killing averted

An individual suspected of preparing to destroy a woman on a contract of Rs. 10 million was taken into custody by the Organised Crime Investigation Unit of the CID during a raid in Habaraduwa area.

NGOs spend billions unchecked

The local and international NGOs registered with the National NGO Secretariat - have committed to spend as much as Rs.30 billion this year, yet more than double this amount is spent by such organisations which are unregistered, warranting the need to enact the proposed NGO Regulation and Supervision Bill as early as possible, an informed source said.