Sri Lanka Presidential Poll 2024 credible and transparent: Commonwealth Observers

Stating their view on Sri Lanka Presidential Election 2024 was credible and transparent, the Commonwealth Group of Observers said more needs to be done in building knowledge and understanding of the preferential voting system as this was tested for the first time since 1982.

Gotabaya lands in Kathmandu

Former President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in Kathmandu via Thimpu, Bhutan’s capital yesterday.

New President assures fresh probe into Easter Sunday attacks

New President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has assured that he will do his utmost to uncover the truth on the Easter Sunday bomb attacks through a fresh probe.

IMF to work with Sri Lanka’s new President on $3 Billion loan

The International Monetary Fund said it’s looking forward to working with Sri Lanka’s newly elected president Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the latest review of the country’s $3 billion bailout package.

Fresh initiatives mulled for SJB-UNP unity

In the wake of electoral defeat at the presidential election, fresh initiatives are now underway to patch up Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) under a new alliance in view of the General Election to be conducted within the next couple of months, a party official said.

Six Governors resign

An Extraordinary Gazette (2403/05) notification has been issued, announcing the resignation of six Provincial Governors from office, effective September 22.

Hottest US city Phoenix smashes heat streak record

The desert city of Phoenix, Arizona, suffered a record 113 straight days with temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) this year, leading to hundreds of heat-related deaths and more acres burned by wildfire across the state, officials said.

Parliament to be dissolved tonight

Parliament will be dissolved tonight and a Parliamentary Election will be held by December, the Daily Mirror exclusively learns.

Death toll rises to 492, over 1,500 wounded

At least 492 people have been killed in intense and wide-ranging Israeli air strikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, the country’s health ministry says, in the deadliest day of conflict there in almost 20 years.

Colombo bourse signals favourable response to new administration

The Colombo bourse yesterday closed in green in continuing with the bullish sentiment, signalling a favourable response to the new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who was sworn in yesterday.

Apparel sector earnings cross US $ 3bn

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector earnings crossed the US $ 3 billion mark with it having recorded a double-digit growth in August.

Kavan Ratnayaka resigns as BOC Chairman

State-owned Bank of Ceylon (BOC) yesterday saw its Chairman Kavan Ratnayaka stepping down from his position.

CCC lists 10 key economic priorities for President Dissanayake

As the newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake takes over responsibilities, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) affirmed its commitment in working together with all the stakeholders in developing prudent growth strategies that will provide desirable results to the people.

Exporters urge new president to create a more business-friendly environment

Sri Lanka’s export fraternity yesterday urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to streamline the procedures and create a more business-friendly environment that empowers entrepreneurs and exporters to drive the economy forward.

Ugandan President congratulates President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Ugandan President Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his election as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka. In his message, President Museveni praised Dissanayake’s leadership and recognized the trust placed in him by the Sri Lankan people.

Calls of post-election curfew ’’useless and unnecessary’’ - EU Chief Observer

While commending the Presidential Election 2024 for following ’’an excellent process” European Union Election Observation Mission Chief Observer Nacho Sanchez Amor slammed the decision to impose a sudden 14-hour curfew after polling was completed as ’’useless and unnecessary.’’

Kenyan President congratulates Sri Lanka’s new President

President of Kenya Dr. William Ruto has conveyed his congratulations to Sri Lanka’s newly elected President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, emphasising the enduring diplomatic relations between the two countries.

’You have elected this country’s last Executive President’: NPP’s Handunnetti

National People’s Power member Sunil Handunnetti said that abolishing the Executive Presidency remains a priority for a government headed by newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Lebanon says 100 dead in Israeli strikes on Hezbollah strongholds

Israeli strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon killed 100 people including children on Monday, according to the Lebanese health ministry, in the largest cross-border escalation since war erupted in Gaza on October 7.

People in joy...

People gathered in celebration in front of the Presidential Secretariat at Galle Face as Anura Kumara Dissanayaka arrived to take oaths as the ninth Executive President of Sri Lanka. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi appointed to fill in AKD’s parliamentary seat

A gazette notification has been issued announcing the selection of Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi as the Member of Parliament for the Colombo Electoral District, filling the vacant seat created by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who assumed office as President today.

Web journalist found guilty over contempt of court

The Court of Appeal has found web journalist Desmond Chathuranga De Alwis guilty of contempt of court for uploading a web article containing false accusations against the judges of the Court of Appeal.

Sri Lankans celebrates Election victory...

People across Sri Lanka cheered, waved flags, and lit fireworks to celebrate the new president’s victory.

Ravi Seneviratne appointed Secretary to Public Security Ministry

Former Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne has been appointed as the Secretary to the Public Security Ministry by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sampath Thuyacontha appointed Defence Secretary

Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Sampath Thuyacontha has been appointed as the new Secretary of Defence by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sathosa Chairman resigns

Lanka Sathosa Chairman Pasanda Yapa Abeywardena has resigned from his position.

New Secretary to the President appointed

Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has been appointed as the Secretary to the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

CID arrests NIE Director over Grade 5 exam paper controversy

The Director of the Planning Division at the National Institute of Education (NIE) in Maharagama has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the controversial leak of the Grade 5 Scholarship examination paper.

Sir Ronnie Flanagan set to retire as Independent Chair of the Anti-Corruption Unit next month

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced that Sir Ronnie Flanagan, the Independent Chair of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), will retire from the role at the end of October 2024.

US expresses willingness to work with President Anura Dissanayake

The United States has expressed its readiness to collaborate with Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to bolster bilateral relations.