Key candidates seek to spend Rs.1,000 a voter, lesser-known 50 cents

A few key candidates, in their meetings with the Election Commission to decide on a ceiling on campaign financing, have sought to spend as much as Rs.1,000 for a voter according to the new law whereas some others have quoted as low as 50 cents, a source said.

SL sets eyes on welcoming 3mn tourists next year

Sri Lanka has set its eyes on welcoming three million tourists next year, aligned with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s (SLTPB) plans to launch the much-awaited tourism promotion campaign covering the key source markets, starting from the second week of September this year.

PAFFREL complains to EC over Rs.25,000 pay hike for public servants

The latest decision by the Cabinet to increase the salary of public sector employees by Rs.25, 000 from 2025 could have a serious influence on the free vote of the government workers in the Presidential Election, the independent observers have complained to the Election Commission.

20 Sri Lankans rescued from Myanmar undergoing screening process in Thailand

The 20 Sri Lankans, who were stranded in Myanmar as victims of human trafficking and rescued earlier this week, are undergoing a screening process in Thailand before their expected repatriation to Sri Lanka, the Foreign Ministry said today.

Landslide warning issued for three districts

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) today issued early warnings for landslides in Kalutara, Matara, and Galle districts.

India-Sri Lanka passenger ferry service resumes

The passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) near Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, which was first launched in October 2023, resumed operations today.

Current rainy conditions to intensify with showers over 100 mm

The current rainy weather in the southwestern parts of Sri Lanka is expected to intensify today and tomorrow due to a low-level atmospheric disturbance near the island.

UNFPA hosts key dialogue on Sri Lanka’s population dynamics

The UNFPA Sri Lanka, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies, recently organized a policy dialogue titled “Shaping the Future: A Policy Dialogue on Population Dynamics in Sri Lanka” at the BMICH in Colombo.

Dickwella suspended for alleged anti-doping violation

Sri Lankan cricketer Niroshan Dickwella has been suspended from all forms of cricket due to an alleged anti-doping violation, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said.

Maithripala denies supporting any 2024 Presidential candidate

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has announced that he will not back any candidate in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election.

Backbone of Northern Province

Bicycles play a crucial role in transportation across the Northern Province, with school children and adults relying on them as their primary mode of travel. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Symbols of independent candidates announced

The Election Commission has officially assigned electoral symbols to 17 independent candidates vying for the presidency in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election, set for September 21.

Opposition MP Ali Zahir Moulana pledges support to RW

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) MP, Seyed Ali Zahir Moulana met President Ranil Wickremesinghe and pledged his support for the latter at the Presidential election, UNP sources said.

President rejects Maithri’s support

A request made by former President Maithripala Sirisena to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential election was rejected by the President.

Maithripala has not joined SJB: Marikkar

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) spokesman MP S.M. Marikkar said the news that former President Maithripala Sirisena has joined the SJB is far from the truth.

Derailment disrupts train services on Colombo-Badulla main line

Train service on the Colombo-Badulla main line came to a standstill this afternoon due to a derailment at Demodara.

Sobhitha Rajakaruna appointed Acting President of Appeal Court

Court of Appeal Judge R.M. Sobhitha Rajakaruna has been appointed as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Chamari Athapaththu signs three-year deal with Sydney Thunder

Syndey Thunder signed Sri Lankan star Chamari Athapaththu on a three-year contract, while Perth Scorchers signed Sophie Devine and are reportedly in talks with Finn Allen.

Elephant shot dead by police

A tense situation was prevailed at Dampura, Damanayaya in Bakamuna on last night (15) when the police shot dead a wild elephant which was blind in one eye, frequenting the area and loved by the people since it had not hurt anyone.

Construction Exhibition at BMICH

Sri Lanka’s largest and leading construction exhibition was launched today at the BMICH. Organized by the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL) for the 21st consecutive year, the exhibition will run until Sunday, the 18th. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

’Won’t promote myself at Presidential poll, will only focus on country’: President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today that he does not intend to promote himself at the Presidential election but will only focus on the nation.

Ex-PM’s daughter picked as youngest ever Thai leader

Thailand’s parliament has picked Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of billionaire tycoon and former leader Thaksin, as prime minister.

India’s 78th Independence Day celebrated in Sri Lanka

The 78th Independence Day of India was celebrated in different parts of Sri Lanka on 15 August 2024.

Second school term ends today

The second term of the 2024 school year for all government and government-approved private schools ends today, the Education Ministry said.

One million passports issued in 2023; only 230,000 people migrated

It was revealed that only 230,000 people had migrated in 2023 whereas one million passports had been issued in the same year.

Tax relief proposals sent to IMF for approval: Siyambalapitiya

Proposals for providing tax relief to taxpayers have been submitted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Once the IMF approves, the tax relief will be granted, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

’Puluwan Sri Lanka’ agreement signed to support Ranil

Some 34 parties and alliances signed the ’Puluwan Sri Lanka’ agreement at Waters Edge Hotel in Battaramulla.

First case of more dangerous mpox found outside Africa

Sweden’s public health agency has recorded what it says is the first case of a more dangerous type of mpox outside the African continent.

Man shot dead in Sripura

A 26-year-old man was shot dead early this morning (16) at Pillayar Junction in Gemunupura, Sripura, police said.

Political crossovers galore!

With the 2024 Presidential Election on the horizon, Sri Lankan political landscape is once again seeing a wave of crossovers as politicians jump ship in a desperate bid to stay afloat.