Bangladesh beat Pakistan for historic Test series win

Bangladesh celebrated a historic first-ever Test series win over Pakistan and a 2-0 clean sweep with a tense six-wicket victory in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

Government behind the release of viral video clip, says Marikkar

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S. M. Marikkar today said that the viral video clip showing him having a discussion with President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been released by associates of the President himself.

More than 40 killed, 180 injured in Russian strike on Ukraine

At least 41 people were killed and more than 180 injured Tuesday in a Russian missile strike on central Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Parliament approves three legislations

The Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Bill, the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and the National Minimum Wages of Workers (Amendment Bill) were approved by Parliament today.

Cabinet nod for final report on increasing public service salaries

The Cabinet has approved the Presidential Expert Committee’s final report, which recommends increasing public service salaries and allowances effective January 1, 2025, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Jaffna market in full swing

The public market of Jaffna bustling with trading, particularly with the demand for the traditional and famous Palmyrah products. Pix by Samantha Perera

Polls-related complaints top 2,000; 14 cases of violence

A total of 129 fresh complaints related to the upcoming presidential election were received, bringing the total number of complaints to over 2,000.

Lawyer disenrolled for failing professional duties, ordered to return legal fees

The Supreme Court today issued a ruling to remove a lawyer from the position of Attorney-at-Law for failing to take necessary steps in two cases after receiving legal fees.

Putin welcomed in Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Mongolia, his first visit to an International Criminal Court (ICC) member since it issued a warrant for his arrest last year.

Dates confirmed for 2025 World Test Championship final

Lord’s to host the third edition of the World Test Championship final from 11 June 2025.

Government writes off crop loans taken by farmers

The government has decided to write-off all crop loans taken by farmers to provide financial relief and support.

Cathay Pacific grounds planes after engine problem

Hong Kong’s flagship airline Cathay Pacific has cancelled tens of flights after a plane heading from the city to Zurich was forced to turn around due to an ’’engine component failure’’.

Waiting for passports...

People were seen waiting outside the Immigration and Emigration Department even in the rain to obtain their passports. Recently, the Immigration Department had limited the issuing of passports due to a shortage of blank passports and also as step to introduce new electronic passports. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Mujibur rule out RW and SP reconciliation

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman today ruled out a possible political marriage between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa before the Presidential election.

High-speed satellite internet connectivity for in-flight passengers

Cabinet approval has been granted to provide internet connectivity to passengers enabling them to use Wi-Fi facilities and GSM services on their mobile phones while in flight.

Training on robotics, artificial technology for 7,500 teachers

The government has approved the training of 7,500 teachers selected from schools covering all the provinces in areas relevant to the STEAM concept, including information technology, biotechnology, engineering technology and mathematics, under three stages by the Skills College of Technology (SCOT CAMPUS).

School bus ploughs into crowd in China killing 11

A school bus ploughed into a crowd of people killing at least 11, including five students, in China’s Shandong province, state media report.

Heavy showers above 100 mm likely today

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western Provinces and in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, according to the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre.

Clean energy transition: Sri Lanka LNG ready, hydrogen capable

In the global economy developing, what is triggered is demand for power more and more. The world is starved of resources and has to use its resources sparingly and sustainably to fulfil demands unlimited in human nature. In power generation, the oil and coal-burned era is now heading for an end. The world is heading for more and more clean energy sources, and Sri Lanka is no exception. It has made plans for diversification of its energy mix.

CB Chief to brief MPs on Sri Lanka’s financial performance today

Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe is to brief all MPs on Sri Lanka’ s current financial performance today.

UK suspends some arms exports to Israel

The UK has suspended some arms sales to Israel, saying there is a ’’clear risk’’ the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international law.

Samita Dulan wins silver at Paris Paralympics

Samita Dulan Kodithuwakku of the Sri Lanka Army Corps of Military Police won a silver medal in the javelin throw at the Paris Paralympic Games, setting a new world record in the men’s F44 category with a throw of 67.03 metres.

Karu Paranawithana sworn in as MP

Karu Paranawithana was sworn in as an MP by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena today. Paranawithana fills the vacancy created by Thalatha Athukorala who resigned from Parliament recently.

The other three candidates come with serious, troubled pasts, I do not-Namal

SLPP’s Presidential Candidate, Namal Rajapaksa said that the other three leading candidates - Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake came with serious, troubled pasts, but he was the only candidate who did not have any such allegations.

Differences brew in ITAK over decision to back Sajith Premadasa

Resentment brews within the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) over the decision by the party’s Central Committee to back Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa in the absence of some its leaders such as former MP Mavai Senathirajah and S. Sridharan.

Candidates who cross spending limit will lose civic rights: EC

The presidential candidates who are found to have spent more than the allowed amount per voter, which is Rs. 109, will face serious consequences, the Election Commission said.

A word of caution to the winning candidate - Will you be plagued with the winner’s curse

A highly competitive auction of non-existing resources is taking place. Promises are galore – lower taxes, more subsidies and higher public service salaries. How are we going to pay for all of this?

August tourist arrivals fall furthest away from forecast

The tourist arrivals in August fell furthest away from the target seen so far during the year, according to the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Coconut supply shortfall threatens SL’s domestic and export markets: CCCI

The newly inaugurated Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI) has warned that the current coconut supply is insufficient to meet both the local and growing export demands, due to the significant challenges faced by the sector.

Incoming president must surpass industrial revolutions to secure prosperity: Former CB deputy governor

To fulfil Sri Lanka’s long-standing ambition of becoming a wealthy nation within a single generation (defined as 25-30 years), the incoming president should propel the nation forward by surpassing several industrial revolutions to achieve prosperity, according to a former Central Bank (CB) deputy governor.