PNB nabs cosmetics trader with Rs.3Mn worth fags at BIA

A Sri Lankan passenger who tried to smuggle in foreign cigarettes worth over Rs.3 million under the pretense of carrying cosmetics from Doha, Qatar was nabbed by the Police at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today.

Long queues for on-arrival visa at BIA

Long queues were witnessed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today for on-arrival visas. Sri Lanka is yet to revert to the previous visa approval and issuing system after the Supreme Court ordered the suspension of the VFS-led system.

IndiGo commences daily Chennai-Jaffna flights

IndiGo, a key Indian airline, commenced their flight operations between Chennai and Jaffna from today, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited said.

RW pledges to extend Katunayake expressway towards Chilaw

Independent Presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe today pledged to extend the Colombo-Katunayake expressway towards Chilaw.

President's rally at Chilaw

Independent Presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe at a rally in Chillaw on September 1, 2024 where he said that the Katunayake expressway will be extended upto Chilaw if he is elected President. Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

Public servants’ salary hikes at risk if government programme changes: Rajitha

If the current government programme changes at any point, there is a clear risk of losing the salary increases scheduled for all public servants starting January 1, 2025. Therefore, public servants should be wise in casting their postal votes at the upcoming Presidential election, Parliamentarian Rajitha Senaratne said.

NPP will ensure political rights of expatriate workers: Anura Kumara

Claiming that certain politicians have issued threatening statements against Sri Lankan expatriate workers challenging their political rights, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that the NPP will ensure the political rights of Sri Lankan expatriate workers.

For better safety of pedestrians

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) removes branches of trees which could be a threat to pedestrians on Main Street in Colombo. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Prices of goods, services must reduce after fuel revision

In line with yesterday’s (August 31) fuel price revision, the prices of all goods and services should decrease from tonight, National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection (NMCRP) Chairman Ranjith Vithanage said.

ITAK decides to back Sajith

The Ilankai Tamil Arashu Kadchchi (ITAK) after a deliberation of five hours, decided to back Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa at the upcoming Presidential election, party spokesman MP M.A. Sumanthiran said.

Government falls short on transparency for foreign-financed projects

Large infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, often funded by foreign loans and grants, are legally required to disclose information online when the amount exceeds USD 100,000, Verité Research said in a statement.

Some powerful nations want a weak government in Sri Lanka: Rajitha

Some powerful nations including those from the region want a weak government in Sri Lanka, so that they can get what they want, MP Rajitha Senaratne said today.

No LP gas price revision this time: Litro Chairman

Price of Litro domestic LP gas will not be increased despite the LP gas price increase in the world market, Litro Gas Chairman Muditha Peiris said.

Election complaints surge to 1,500 in month ahead of Presidential poll

A total of 112 new complaints related to the upcoming Presidential election have been received, bringing the overall number of complaints to 1,592, according to the Election Commission.

Grammy-winning rapper dies after collapsing on stage during US show

Rapper Fatman Scoop, 53, has died after collapsing on stage in front of a crowd of horrified fans.

Police recover high explosives and grenade from underworld gang member

Police recovered a stock of high explosives and a live hand grenade following the interrogation of an underworld gang member recently brought to Sri Lanka.

Namal Rajapaksa pauses political activities in Jaffna

SLPP Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa said that he will temporarily halt all political activities in Jaffna until the conclusion of the Nallur Ther (chariot) festival.

Committee to probe Covid-19 cremations, compensation for affected families: President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that new legislation will be introduced to ensure that individuals can choose either burial or cremation based on their personal wishes.

UAE launches visa amnesty for illegal residents

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a visa amnesty program to allow people living illegally in the country to legalise their residency status or depart without facing any penalties.

Fuel prices slashed

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) announced that it will reduce the prices of fuel from midnight today.

President at Trincomalee

President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in a rally in Trincomalee on August 31, 2024. Former municipal councilor of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and several UNP stalwarts joined to express their support for the President. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

MKDS Gunawardana's son Nalin Gunawardana pledges support to RW

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Seruwawila organiser Nalin Gunawardena, son of late Minister M. K. D. S. Gunawardena and T. Bahardeen, a former Municipal councillor of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) have expressed their support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming Presidential election.

Supporting Tamil candidate could disrupt reconciliation efforts: SLPP Politburo Member Cassilingham

Geethanath Cassilingham, a Politburo member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) from the Northern Province has expressed serious concern over the idea of supporting a Tamil common candidature.

Brazil block on social media platform X comes into effect after Supreme Court order

A block on Elon Musk’s X social network in Brazil started to take effect early Saturday after a Supreme Court judge ordered its suspension, according to AFP.

Bar Council demands BASL President’s immediate resignation

The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has unanimously called for BASL President Kaushalya Navaratne to resign from office after a five-member committee appointed to investigate into the JAICA fund controversy, found that the BASL President had failed to act with transparency.

President in Ja-Ela…

Independent presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe attended an election rally in Ja-Ela on August 30, 2024. During the rally, President Wickremesinghe was seen in conversation with former MPs Harin Fernando and Ruwan Wijewardene. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

NPP complains to Elections Commission against Rajitha Senaratne

The National People’s Power (NPP) has complained to the Elections Commission against Parliamentarian Rajitha Senarathne over a statement made by him.

Rs. 150 fuel price cut if elected President: Janaka Ratnayake

Presidential candidate and former Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), Janaka Ratnayake, pledged that his first priority upon being elected President will be to reduce fuel prices by Rs. 150.

‘One rank one pay’ system for police: Sajith

Highlighting his commitment to creating a respectable police service, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa announced yesterday that he would introduce a ‘One Rank One Pay’ system to address pay anomalies.

How to vote in 2024 Presidential Election

The Election Commission has released guidelines for voters on how they should cast their votes in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election scheduled for September 21, 2024.