Mere election promises will not suffice at this presidential poll

Ahead of the launch of their manifestos and theme songs, key presidential candidates are likely to face pressure from lobby groups to outline specific, time-bound action plans for implementation, rather than relying on broadly worded, catchy ideas.

Kenyan couple ties knot in their 90s after decades of love

A 95-year-old Kenyan man married his 90-year-old long-time sweetheart at the weekend, six decades after they first met, local media reported on Monday.

From wonderful waterfalls to beautiful bays

Namal Rajapaksa accepts the Daily Mirror, Lankadeepa presidential debate

SLPP Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa has officially accepted the invitation extended by the Daily Mirror and Lankadeepa for a live presidential debate with the main contenders ahead of the Presidential Election on September 21.

Birthday Dansala

A dansala was held today to celebrate the birthday of the chairman of New Nawala Chemist, Ureka Healthcare Limited, R&R Pvt Ltd and S&S Healthcare Limited. The dansala was held in Nawala with the participation of the staff. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Over 600 polls-related complaints reported

A total of 631 complaints related to the upcoming Presidential election have been received by the Election Commission as of yesterday evening.

Emotional farewell...

A farewell ceremony was held in Colombo to announce the transfer of Dr. Zuhair Hamdaallah Dar Zaid, the Ambassador of Palestine to Sri Lanka. The ceremony was organized by the All Ceylon Union of Muslim League Youth Front. The event saw the Ambassador become emotional as he bid farewell to his Sri Lankan friends. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Candidates can only spend Rs. 109 per voter in Presidential election

The Election Commission has set Rs. 109.00 as the maximum amount a Presidential candidate can spend per voter during campaigns.

Namal Rajapaksa meets Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

SLPP presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa met Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith today at the Archbishop’s official residence in Borella.

Auxiliary Bishop Anton Ranjith appointed administrator of Batticloa

Pope Francis has today accepted the resignation of Bishop of Batticaloa, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Ponnaiah and has nominated Rt. Rev. Dr. Anton Ranjith, the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo as the Apostolic Administrator of the Batticaloa Diocese, a statement from the Vatican said.

Presidential candidates to spend up to Rs. 5,000 million on election in 30 days: Janaka Rathnayaka

Presidential candidate Janaka Rathnayaka revealed today that the main Presidential candidates are expected to spend between Rs. 3,000 million and Rs. 5,000 million on their election campaigns over the next thirty days for the upcoming election.

Sri Lankan among passengers as luxury yacht sinks off Sicily Coast

A Sri Lankan national was among the passengers aboard a luxury yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily early Monday morning, according to reports.

Anura responds to handshake with Namal: Says correct gesture than refusing handshake

Commenting on the interaction with SLPP Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa at the Election Secretariat, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today it was a normal political incident and that it was correct than declining a handshake

Election Commission notified over appointment of two Presidential advisors

While raising serious concerns over the incumbent government for deliberately violating the election law, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has informed the Election Commission regarding the appointment of two Presidential advisors by the President.

Heavy rains flood roads

Several roads in the Wattala, Elakanda area were reported to be inundated due to heavy rains. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

USS Spruance arrives in Colombo

USS Spruance of the United States Navy arrived at the port of Colombo on a replenishment visit today.

Appointment of Harin, Manusha as advisors violates election laws: Anura Kumara

Appointment of former Ministers Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara as Presidential advisors is in violation of election laws, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Harin, Manusha appointed Presidential advisors

Former Ministers Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara have been appointed as Presidential advisors by President Ranil Wickremesinghe as per the power vested with him under Article 41(1) of the Constitution.

Russian volcano erupts triggering ash cloud alert for aircraft

One of Russia’s most active volcanoes has erupted, spewing plumes of ash 5km (3 miles) into the sky over the far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula and briefly triggering a “code red” warning for aircraft.

Devotees mark Nikini Poya at Kelaniya

The Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is seeing a heavy influx of devotees engaged in religious observances on Nikini Full Moon Poya Day which falls today. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Heavy showers above 75 mm on the cards

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the Meteorological Department forecast.

Don’t use national, Buddhist flags for election propaganda: Polls Chief

Commissioner of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake urged political parties and the public not to disrespect the national flag by using it for election campaigns.

Sri Lanka on alert amid global rise in Monkeypox cases

In the wake of the recent global upsurge in monkeypox cases, Sri Lanka has ramped up its vigilance, according to local health authorities.

NPP will bring back Arjuna Mahendran as first priority: Anura Kumara

The National People’s Power (NPP) will bring back former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, who fled to Singapore, to Sri Lanka as the first priority of a NPP government, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

International election observers arrive in Sri Lanka to monitor presidential poll

A group of election observers from the European Union and the Commonwealth have arrived in Sri Lanka to monitor the September 21 presidential election, Election Commission officials said on Sunday.

India’s former minister says Namal’s entry as presidential candidate welcomed

India’s former cabinet minister and BJP member, Subramanian Swamy said that Namal Rajapaksa’s entry as a Presidential candidate was welcomed as the Rajapaksa tradition was to accept India as a ’family’.

Sajith pledges to abolish Executive Presidency

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today pledged to abolish the Executive Presidency if he is elected President next month.

Ceylon Workers’ Congress to back RW at Presidential election

The Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) has announced its decision to support President Ranil Wickremesinge at the upcoming Presidential election.

JMO arrested over Thanamalwila schoolgirl rape case

The Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) of the Hambantota District General Hospital, who conducted the medical examination related to the rape of a 16-year old schoolgirl, was arrested by the National Child Protection Authority.

French film giant Alain Delon dies aged 88

French film legend Alain Delon has died at the age of 88. The actor was a star of the golden era of French cinema, known for his tough-guy persona on screen in hits including The Samurai and Borsalino.