Namal Rajapaksa signs nomination papers

Namal Rajapaksa, the presidential candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and Member of Parliament, has signed his nomination papers to contest in the upcoming Presidential Election.

Deadline for Presidential Election cash deposits ends; 40 candidates

The window for placing cash deposits for the upcoming presidential election closed today at 12 noon.

Polar bears kill worker at Arctic Radar Station

Two polar bears killed a worker at a remote Arctic radar station in Canada’s northern Nunavut territory, prompting an investigation into the rare fatal attack.

Janaka Ratnayake places deposit for Presidential election

The ‘Eksath Lanka Podujana Party’ candidate and former Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) chairman Janaka Ratnayake placed his deposit to contest the upcoming Presidential election.

Dates set for postal voting in Presidential Election

The schedule for postal voting in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election has been announced by the Election Commission.

TM Dilshan appointed SJB Kalutara district organiser

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan has announced his support for opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate, in the upcoming Presidential Election.

Tax hike drives ’Kasippu’ consumption from 19% to 30%

Following the tax hike, illicit liquor consumption, specifically ’Kasippu,’ has surged significantly from 19% to 30%, Excise Department Commissioner General M.J. Gunasiri said.

Alarming rise in child abuse cases, NCPA data reveals

Child abuse cases have increased by 38 per cent with 4,380 complaints received during the first half of this year compared to 31,172 cases reported during the corresponding period of last year, according to the statistics from the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).

New alliances, crossovers, strategic realignments on the cards

New alliances, crossovers and strategic realignments appear to be taking centre stage ahead of the nomination period of the Presidential Election.

Gazette issued on minimum daily wage for rubber, tea workers

The government issued a gazette notification announcing a minimum wage of Rs. 1,700 for workers in the rubber and tea industries.

Namal places deposit to contest 2024 presidential election

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam placed the deposit today on behalf of MP Namal Rajapaksa for the upcoming Presidential election.

Patali to support Sajith at Presidential election

United Republican Front (URF) leader MP Patali Champika Ranawaka will join the Samagi Jana Sandanaya in support of Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa.

Japan set for new PM as Kishida bows out as party leader

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will not seek re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which he says needs a ’’new start’’.

Stunning conjunction of Mars, Jupiter visible tomorrow

Sri Lankans will have the opportunity to observe a Mars-Jupiter conjunction in the sky tomorrow morning, the Astronomy Department of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies said.

Location for new hospital in Biyagama selected

Presidential Advisor Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, Presidential Advisor on Economic Affairs R. H. S. Samaratunga together with several government officers selected a suitable location at Siyambalape Junction to construct the proposed state of art hospital. Mr. Wijewardenne and Samaratunga are seen with other state officers at the site . Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

App to reduce deaths by elephants launched in India

The state of Assam in India has launched a mobile phone app aimed at reducing deaths caused by wild elephants.

Over 50 drugs fail quality tests in 2024

A total of 51 drugs have failed quality tests so far in 2024 recording the highest number of quality failures of drugs in a year, according to the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry.

Large apparel firms urged to lead country’s sustainability drive

As sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity for the textile and apparel industry, a top public official stressed that large industry players have an inherent responsibility and a larger role to play in guiding and supporting the whole industry on the path to sustainability.

Colombo Marina Development designated as primary venture with strategic development

Browns Investments’ Colombo Marina Development (Private) Limited venture has been designated as a primary venture with a strategic development in order to become eligible for a series of exemptions or incentives under the provisions of Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act.

Insurance watchdog announces plans to roll-out reforms as sector stalls

The Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL) yesterday announced plans to implement reforms aimed at strengthening the stability and resilience of the local insurance industry, as the sector grapples with economic challenges that have stalled its growth.

Two die in Malabe due to suspected chemical inhalation

Malabe Police have initiated an investigation following the deaths of two individuals who were admitted to the National Hospital, Colombo while in critical condition after inhaling a chemical substance at a residence in Kahantota, Malabe.

Tight security measures in place for Presidential nomination submissions

At least 1,000 police officers, including members of the Special Task Force, will be deployed around the Election Commission and surrounding areas on Thursday (15) to maintain security and law and order during the Presidential Election nomination submissions.

I am not overly concerned about my security: Anura Kumara

Claiming that he was not overly concerned about his security, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that anyone has the right to contest in elections and engage in election campaigns.

Teenager stabs five people at outdoor cafe in Turkey

A teenager has been detained after he videoed himself stabbing five people who were sitting in an open-air cafe in the northwestern Turkish city of Eskisehir.

Special disaster management programme during election period: State Minister

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has made arrangements to implement a special programme to confirm the right of voting for all eligible citizens in case of any emergency situation that may occur during this presidential election period.

36 presidential candidates now in the running

Four more candidates including Namal Rajapaksha from the Samabima Party placed cash deposits for the upcoming Presidential election today (13) pushing the total number of candidates to 36.

Gang rape of Thanamalwila school girl: Principal, three teachers arrested

Four suspects including a principal were arrested in connection with the rape of a 16- year- old girl by 22 schoolboys in Thanamalwila, Police said.

Rajitha aligns with Ranil

Approval granted for project to install solar panels on railway station buildings

Approval has been granted to implement projects for the installation and maintenance of solar panels on the roofs of stations and buildings owned by Sri Lanka Railways (SLR).

Departures for overseas jobs in July up by 15%, USD 566.8mn foreign remittances received

Compared to July 2023, the number of Sri Lankans seeking foreign employment in July 2024 has increased by 15%, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said.