STF recovers mobile devices from Boossa high security prison

A smart phone and several other mobile devices were discovered hidden near cells at the Boossa High Security Prison, where organised criminals Sanjeewa Kumara Samaratne, alias Ganemulla Sanjeeva and Samantha Kumara alias ’Wele Suda’ are held.

Fifth peacekeeper wounded in southern Lebanon, UN says

A UN peacekeeper has been wounded in southern Lebanon after being hit by gunfire, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) has said, the fifth member of the multinational force to be injured in recent days.

Three killed in train tragedy

Three persons were killed after they were knocked down by the express train bound to Maradana from Matara, Police said.

Over 76,000 persons displaced due to rain related disasters

Over 76,000 persons have been displaced by rain related disasters during the period between October 7 and 6.00 pm today, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

Public Security Ministry orders Police to expedite investigations into seven key cases

The Ministry of Public Security has directed the Acting Inspector General of Police to expedite investigations into seven high-profile cases, including the controversial 2015 bond deal and the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

President instructs Finance Ministry to allocate Rs. 50 mn for relief services

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to provide immediate relief to those affected by the recent adverse weather conditions across the country, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Ajith Mannaperuma withdraws from election

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Gampaha district candidate Ajith Mannaperuma has withdrawn from the general elections as he has been removed as the electoral organiser of the SJB.

Sudden floods limit trains up to Lunuwila

Train services on the Puttlam line have been limited to the Lunuwila railway station due to flooding in the area, the Railways Department said.

Police arrest 120 Chinese nationals over online financial fraud

Police arrested a group of 120 Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in online financial frauds.

Tamil party fields two Buddhist monks to contest General Election

Eelam Peoples’ Democratic Party (EPDP), a Tamil party led by former Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, has created history by fielding two Buddhist monks and thus becoming the first Tamil party to field a Buddhist monk.

Israel promises probe into injury of two Sri Lankan peacekeepers in Lebanon

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has promised thorough investigations into the injury of two Sri Lankans in Lebanon, according to a statement from the Sri Lankan mission in Tel Aviv.

School, university students permitted to travel on season tickets during holidays too

Transport Minister Vijitha Herath has instructed the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) to permit school, university and technical college students to travel on their season tickets in SLTB buses on weekends and public holidays as well.

Heavy rains to continue further

The Meteorological Department has warned that the ongoing rainy weather in the south-western part of Sri Lanka is likely to continue due to an atmospheric disturbance near the island.

Only 11 out of 31 houses assigned to former ministers handed over

Only 11 out of 31 politicians who held ministerial responsibilities in the previous government and lived in the government houses have vacated them, according to the Public Administration Ministry.

Corrupt politicians quitting politics, a victory of Anura becoming President: Bimal

Claiming that corrupt and racist politicians have opted not to contest this year’s General Election to evade defeat, NPP member Bimal Ratnayake said today it was a great victory secured by the NPP even before the General Election victory to make sure that such politicians have not even become candidates at this year’s elections.

Techno 2024...

Techno 2024 exhibition opens at BMICH, offering insights from technology experts. Runs from today until Sunday night, October 13. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel.

President holds virtual discussion with Samantha Power

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conducted a virtual discussion today (11) with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Ms Samantha Power.

Everest explorer’s ‘remains’ found 100 years after disappearance

A documentary team discovered human remains on Mount Everest apparently belonging to a man who went missing while trying to summit the peak 100 years ago, National Geographic magazine reported Friday.

690 nomination papers accepted, 74 rejected

The Election Commission confirmed that 690 nomination papers from political parties and independent groups have been accepted for the 2024 General Elections.

SJB and New Democratic Front release National List

The New Democratic Front (Gas Cylinder) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) have released their national lists for the upcoming Presidential Election.

Namal not to contest, goes on National List

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has announced its 29-member National List for the upcoming General Election.

SC suspends decision to deactivate political party

The Supreme Court suspended a decision by the Elections Commission to deactivate the Lanka Janatha Party and allowed the party to contest the General Elections .

Barath Arullsamy submits nomination for General Election

Former Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) Vice President Barath Arullsamy submitted his nomination today (9th) to contest for the Kandy District under the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Alliance in the upcoming General Election.

Pensioners to get Rs. 3,000 monthly interim allowance from next week

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials of the Ministry of Finance to take necessary action to provide a monthly interim allowance of Rs. 3,000 to all pensioners from next week.

Prompt return of Ministerial quarters a legal obligation, not political revenge

Do not consider handing over Ministerial quarters as political revenge. It is necessary to return the Ministerial quarters promptly after the abolition of a Ministry. Official residences should be handed back without delay. Reminders should be sent to those who have not yet vacated their apartments, and if there is no response, legal action should be enforced, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said.

Cassilingham challenges Jaffna candidates to declare no involvement in liquor licenses

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Politburo member Geethanath Cassilingham, who is contesting the upcoming General Election from the Jaffna District, today challenged his co-candidates to prove they have never solicited or mediated liquor licenses.

Five DIGs including CID chief transferred: Ampavila to lead CID

The National Police Commission has transferred five Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), including DIG Rohan Premaratne, who was overseeing the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Damitha removed from SJB’s Ratnapura nominations list

Actress Damitha Abeyratne, who claimed that she will contest the general elections from the Ratnapura District, has not been included in the nominations list of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in the Ratnapura District.

Nomination papers submitted...

Nomination papers were handed over by recognised political parties and independent groups at their respective dsitrict offices to contest the 2024 General Elections. Representatives of the political parties handed over their nomination papers at the District Secretariat, Narahenpita to contest the Colombo District. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Minor floods in Kalutara, Ratnapura

Heavy rains experienced in the Kalutara and Ratnapura districts have resulted in the overflow of the Kalu Ganga creating a minor flood situation in the low lying areas.