Will not use state resources for election campaign: Lal Kantha

The National People’s Power (NPP) government will not use state resources for the general election and that they will show it in practice this time, NPP member Lal Kantha said today.

Tennis legend Nadal confirms retirement

Rafael Nadal announced on Thursday he will retire from professional tennis after the Davis Cup finals in November, ending a career in which he won 22 Grand Slam titles and Olympic singles gold.

Sri Lanka’s economy stabilises with growth expected to reach 4.4 % in 2024: WB

The Sri Lankan economy has stabilised with growth expected to reach 4.4 percent in 2024, surpassing earlier forecasts, the World Bank (WB) said today.

West Indies cricket team arrives

The West Indies cricket team arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning for a match tour in Sri Lanka.

Anupa Pasqual’s two bank accounts frozen

The Colombo High Court issued an order freezing two bank accounts belonging to former State Minister Anupa Pasqual, for three months.

Landslides warnings issued for three districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) issued early warning today for landslides in the Galle, Kalutara and Matara districts.

Private sector employees to receive special leave for Elpitiya LG polls

The Election Commission has announced that private sector employees will be granted special leave to cast their votes at the upcoming Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha Elections 2024, scheduled for October 26, 2024.

SJB fields Rehan Jayawickreme from Matara district

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Weligama organiser and former Chairman of the Weligama Urban Council, Rehan Jayawickreme signed his nomination papers to contest the 2024 General elections.

Qatar to write off loans to boost private sector growth

Qatar is planning initiatives to boost private sector growth in the Gulf state, including writing off some loans to Qatari companies made during the COVID-19 pandemic, state media reported late on Wednesday.

Wimal’s party not to contest general election

Announcing that the National Freedom Front (NFF) will not contest the general elections, its leader Wimal Weerawansa stressed the need for the National People’s Power (NPP) government to secure a majority in parliament.

Bus catches fire at Madampe

A private bus travelling from Colombo to Embilipitiya caught fire at the Madampe area this morning, police said.

Eight Bangladeshi nationals nabbed with forged Siberian visa

Eight Bangladeshi nationals were arrested this morning at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to flee to Serbia using forged visas. The arrests were made during a joint operation by officers from the Immigration Department’s Border Surveillance Unit and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Total of 59 Indian trawlers seized with 434 fishermen this year

The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a total of 59 Indian trawlers and 434 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters so far in 2024 and handed them over to the authorities for legal proceedings.

Acting Chief Justice appointed

Justice of the Supreme Court Murdu Nirupa Bidushinie Fernando took oaths of office as the Acting Chief Justice of Sri Lanka this morning at the Presidential Secretariat, before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Only personalised stamps issued featuring Harini, Vijitha: Postal Department clarifies

While clarifying reports circulating about postal stamps featuring Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Minister Vijitha Herath in celebration of the 150th World Postal Day, the Postal Department said that only personalised stamps have been issued with their images.

One in eight girls and women raped or sexually assaulted before age 18, UNICEF says

More than 370 million girls and women alive today, or one in every eight worldwide, experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, the United Nations children’s agency said on Wednesday.

Rs. 23 mn paid to Sri Lanka Railways for Indo-Lankan film shoot

A total Rs. 23 million was paid by the NE Commercial Group of Companies (Pvt) Ltd. to the Sri Lanka Railway Department for shooting a film as a joint Indo-Sri Lankan cinema project, Railways Deputy General Manager (DGM) N.J. Indipolage said.

Suspect nabbed with 600,000 capsules of prescription drugs

A 44-year-old person was arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police Special Task Force (STF) with 600,000 capsules of prescription drugs worth Rs. 60 million, suspected to be sold targeting the youth and school children.

Europe’s Hera Mission launches to visit an asteroid smacked by NASA

The European Space Agency’s Hera mission launched today (Oct. 7) at 10:52 a.m. EDT (1452 GMT), riding a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in coastal Florida.

Army promotes 139 officers, 1,273 other ranks

A total of 139 Officers of the Sri Lanka Army (Regular and Volunteer Forces) and 1,273 Other Ranks of the Army (Regular and Volunteer Forces) have been promoted to their respective next ranks to mark the 75th Army Anniversary Day (October 10).

More artistes take up active politics

Sri Lanka is to see the common phenomenon of artistes entering politics at this year’s General Election as well with a number of artistes entering the fray for the first time.

Adani project: New Govt. slides from cancellation to review?

National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in the run up to the September 21 presidential election vowed to cancel Indian conglomerate Adani’s 450 MW wind power project in Sri Lanka if elected.

India pile up World Cup high to rout Sri Lanka

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and opener Smriti Mandhana hit half-centuries as India defeated Sri Lanka by 82 runs to boost their chances of making the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday.

Concerns rise over heavy metal contamination in coconut oil ACTCOMA demands regulatory action

Amid the growing concerns about the dumping of chemically refined oil labelled as coconut oil in the local market, the government is urged to establish a transparent mechanism to differentiate chemically refined oil from natural coconut oil.

Tourist arrivals near 26,000 in first 6 days of October

Sri Lanka welcomed 25,966 tourists in the first six days of October, marking a rather slow start for the month, ahead of the winter season, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) data showed.

Indian tycoon Ratan Tata dies

The Indian tycoon Ratan Tata, who is credited with transforming the Tata Group into a globally renowned conglomerate, has died at age 86, the company has said.

Wealthiest 20% enjoy half of SL’s pension benefits: IPS

A recent study conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) highlighted a significant disparity in Sri Lanka’s Public Service Pension distribution scheme, revealing that around 50 percent of the pension benefits were enjoyed by the wealthiest 20 percent of the population.

New Board of Directors appointed for SriLankan Airlines

A new Board of Directors has been appointed for SriLankan Airlines with Sarath Ganegoda as the Chairman.

Postal Dept. celebrates World Postal Day with stamps of Harini, Vijitha

In a move seen more as hysterical than having any purpose, two new stamps were released as souvenirs by the Sri Lanka Postal Department today with the faces of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Minister Vijitha Herath.

CR to play rugby under floodlights

Ceylonese Rugby Football Club (CR and FC) will host their first league rugby encounter at Longden Place under floodlights, later next month.