Floods wreak havoc in Italy

Torrential rains have triggered severe floods across northern Italy, particularly in the Emilia-Romagna region. Rivers have overflowed, forcing the evacuation of over 1,000 residents in provinces like Ravenna and Bologna.

Postman alleged to have retained 145 polling cards

A postman in Puttalam is alleged to have retained 145 official polling cards.

Prof. Arjuna de Silva steps down from SLADA

Professor Arjuna de Silva, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Anti Doping Agency (SLADA), has decided to step down from his post effective September 30.

SJB says report on agreement on commercial creditors an act of influencing voters

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Lawyers’ Collective member Shiyan Punchihewa, in a letter addressed to Chairman Election Commission Saman Ratnayake has informed that the report issued by the government on the agreement with external commercial creditors is an attempt to influence the voters.

Nilfer resigns as Head Coach of St. Joseph’s

Former Kingswood College, Kandy SC and Navy SC player and the current Head Coach of Police SC and St. Joseph’s College rugby outfit Nilfer Ibrahim today tendered his resignation from the Darley Road School.

Kantale Hospital in jeopardy over specialist shortage

The Kantale Base Hospital’s Neonatology Ward has been forced to shut down due to a critical lack of pediatricians and neonatologists, the Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka reaches agreements with external commercial creditors

Sri Lanka has reached agreements with external commercial creditors to restructure approximately USD 17.5 bn of external debt, achieving a 40.3% Net Present Value (NPV) concession, the President’s Media Division said.

National Security Council discusses security for Presidential election

The National Security Council, chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, held a meeting today (19) at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss preparations for the 2024 Presidential election.

Japan firm says it stopped making walkie-talkies used in Lebanon blasts

A Japanese handheld radio manufacturer has distanced itself from walkie-talkies bearing its logo that exploded in Lebanon, saying it discontinued production of the devices a decade ago.

Japanese firm Mirai Consulting meets EDB to explore Sri Lankan investments

Japan-based regional consulting firm Mirai Consulting Group, represented by a high-level delegation, recently visited Sri Lanka to explore potential investment opportunities in various sectors.

Exams Department, CID probe over Grade 5 scholarship paper leak

The Examinations Department and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have launched an investigation into concerns raised over the first paper of the recently held Grade 5 Scholarship examination.

Total of 500 garment employees hospitalised due to food poisoning

A total of 500 employees were hospitalised this morning due to food poisoning after consuming food served at a private apparel factory in the Bakamuna area.

Canada to slash international student permits, tighten foreign worker rules

Canada announced Wednesday it was slashing international student permits next year, and tightening foreign worker rules to further bring down the number of temporary residents in the country.

HC prevents occupation of two luxury apartments bought by Keheliya’s son

The Colombo High Court has issued an order preventing the occupation of two luxury apartments in Colombo 3, Kollupitiya, owned by Ramitha Rambukwella, son of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

Cricket Australia bans ex-Sri Lankan Test player for 20 years

Cricket Australia (CA) has banned former Sri Lankan Test player Dulip Samaraweera for 20 years after he ’’committed a serious breach’’ of the organisation’s code of conduct.

Three persons suspended for leaking Grade 5 exam paper

Three persons, including the invigilator, who were on duty at the examination centre of the Rathmale Thissa Maha Vidyalaya in Anuradhapura were to be suspended over the leakage of a Grade 5 Scholarship Examination question paper, North Central Provincial Education Director S.M.W. Samarakoon said.

Another shooting incident reported, man killed

A 30-year old man was shot dead at Rasnayakepura in Nikaweratiya early this morning, Police said.

Schools close tomorrow for election; reopen on Monday

The Education Ministry today announced the closure of all schools tomorrow (20) as requested by the Election Commission. The schools will reopen on Monday (23).

Sri Lanka out of bankruptcy soon: Ranil

Whilst revealing that the government has managed to strike a deal with the international sovereign bond (ISB) holders on debt restructuring, independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said his administration has managed to complete the task of making Sri Lanka’s debt sustainable.

Second wave of Lebanon device explosions kills 20 and wounds 450

At least 20 people have been killed and more than 450 wounded by a second wave of explosions from wireless communication devices in Lebanon, the country’s health ministry says.

Significance of the preferential votes in the presidential election

Our Country has faced several presidential elections & the winners had obtained more than 50% of votes in each occasion. In a situation where none of the candidates obtain more than 50% of the votes, the procedures to be followed, have not been tested as the necessity hasn’t arisen.

One killed, two injured in shooting at fish stall in Midigama

One person was killed and two others were injured when two men opened fire at a fish stall in Midigama, Matara, this morning.

Heightened security in place for one more week in post-election period

In a bid to prevent possible post-election violence, a special security arrangement involving the police, the Special Task Force and the military will be in place for a period extending for one week after the presidential election is over, an official said yesterday.

Shop owner shot dead in Kohuwala

A 43-year-old shop owner was killed last night in Kohuwala when two unidentified men on a motorcycle opened fire at him inside the shop on Saranankara Road.

Sri Lanka’s construction sector expands 15.5% in 2Q

The all-important constriction sector registered a robust growth of 15.5 percent in the second quarter, accelerating from the first three months, mirroring what the monthly indices repeatedly showed.

Tourist arrivals below expectation: SLTDA

The hit on Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is expected to only further aggravate, with a proper solution yet to be implemented.

Will protect dignity of people who vote for NPP: AKD

Claiming that people, who voted to form governments so far, were humiliated by the rulers, National People’s Power (NPP) presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake today pledged to protect the dignity of the people who vote to bring in National People’s Power (NPP) government.

I do not make false promises, will not allow any child to be starve: Namal

’’I do not make empty promises, and I will ensure that no child in this country goes hungry. My focus is on making the right decisions to advance the nation, while guaranteeing that every citizen has access to adequate daily meals,’’ stated Namal Rajapaksa, the Presidential candidate, during the final election rally of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in Mathugama yesterday.

Booze during polls only for top star class tourists

Sale of alcoholic beverages during the election weekend has been prohibited by order of the Excise Chief, except for the tourists residing in top star class hotels and boutique villas countrywide, the department announced today.

Elections Commission obtains weather report for the next few days

The Elections Commission has obtained a complete weather report from the Meteorology Department regarding the country’s weather situation for the next few days, Chairman of the Elections Commission R.A.M.L Ratnayake said today.