Will new taxes be imposed on vehicles?

In response to queries about the potential introduction of new taxes on imported vehicles, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayathissa said today that the Finance Ministry will make an official announcement regarding taxes in the future.

Priya Suriyasena no more

Veteran singer Priya Suriyasena passed away at the age of 80 this morning.

Probe underway as child dies after surgery at J’Pura hospital

A nine-year-old boy reportedly died after undergoing surgery at the Sri Jayawardenepura Hospital raising concerns over potential medical negligence.

Govt. to probe organic fertilizer blunder during GR’s time

The government will conduct fresh probes into the scams involved in the import of a stock of biofertilizer from China and in the introduction of organic farming during the time of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a minister said yesterday.

Former US President Bill Clinton admitted to hospital with fever

Former US President Bill Clinton has been admitted to a hospital after developing a fever, according to a spokesman for the Democrat.

Moody’s raises Sri Lanka’s rating

Christmas gifts are continuing to come Sri Lanka’s way, with Moody’s Ratings (Moody’s) upgrading the island nation’s long-term foreign currency issuer rating to Caa1 from Ca.

Wayside bandits haunt people travelling Malabe-Ambathale road in Colombo

Special security measures have been introduced in response to multiple complaints from residents regarding frequent robberies, including vehicle thefts, along Chandrika Kumaratunga Mawatha, which runs from Malabe to Ambathale in Colombo.

Schoolboys arrested with forged currency notes in Digana

A group of schoolboys who had in their possession 57 forged currency notes of Rs.5,000 denomination were arrested yesterday by Theldeniya Police.

Electricity Act to be amended ensuring 100 per cent government stake in transmission, distribution

The Energy Ministry will continue with the electricity sector reforms process and necessary restructuring and unbundling of electricity generation, transmission and distribution functions, and the newly established Power Sector Reforms Secretariat (PSRS) is heading to complete the transfer plan and unbundling by June 2025 following the proposed amendment to the Electricity Act, an official said.

Twinkle Town Christmas Carnival

Railway staff, engine shortages halt extra trains during festive season

Due to a shortage of railway staff and train engines, the Railways Department is unable to operate extra train services during the festive season, according to the department.

November merchandise exports slide 5.6% YoY while services sector expands 21%

Sri Lanka’s export performance for the month of November witnessed a Year-on-Year (YoY) contraction of 5.6 percent with revenue reaching US$ 943.1 million.

Tri-forces security of former Presidents to be removed from today

The tri-forces security provided to former Presidents will be removed from today as announced by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala.

Man injured in daylight shooting

A 30-year-old man was injured in a shooting by two unidentified assailants who arrived on a motorcycle in Koskandawala, Weeragula this afternoon.

Christmas Carol Concert at Presidential Secretariat

Sri Lanka Cricket names squad for New Zealand ODI series

The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has named a 17-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

CSE hits new high as ASPI goes over 15,000

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) surpassed 15,000, hitting a record of 15,027 during mid-morning trading.

50 elephants dead due to electrocution so far this year: CEB

Some 50 elephants have died due to unauthorised connection of the CEB’s electricity supply to fences or wires so far in 2024, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said.

School third term to begin on January 2, 2025

The Ministry of Education announced that the second stage of the third term for the 2024 academic year in all government and government-approved private schools will commence on January 2, 2025.

Explosive batsman Jacobs gets New Zealand call-up for Sri Lanka series

Hard-hitting New Zealand batsman Bevon Jacobs earned a maiden call-up Monday for their T20 series against Sri Lanka, which marks the start of Mitchell Santner’s tenure as white-ball captain.

Main schools in Colombo without principals

Some seven schools in Colombo including Royal is running without principals currently, the Education Ministry said yesterday.

Economic crisis stalls five high-rise buildings

Construction work of five high-rise buildings have been ground to a standstill because of the economic crisis that hit the country in 2022, and the Ministry of Urban Development is now at a loss to decide how to resume them since the project companies have either been declared bankrupt or mutually terminated projects, a top source said.

Can funds disbursed through President’s Fund be refunded?

In the wake of the recent revelation of politicians receiving money from the President’s Fund, many have questioned whether such disbursed funds can be refunded.

Selfie turns fatal: Two women killed by train

A female student and another woman were killed after being struck by an express train at the Anuradhapura New Town Railway Station.

Special security measures for Churches holding Christmas services

Special security measures will be enacted by the Police and tri forces for all churches across the country holding Christmas services.

First overhauled Kfir jet to join SLAF fleet by early 2025, as part of $50Mn upgrade

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is set to add one of its overhauled and upgraded Kfir multirole combat aircraft to its fleet within the first three months of next year, the Daily Mirror learns.

Is Israeli soldier known as ’terminator’ in Colombo? Police respond

In response to widespread concerns regarding the alleged presence of Israeli soldier Gal Ferenbook in Colombo, police said that they have not received any verified information on the matter.

India to play Champions Trophy games in Dubai

Dubai has been chosen as a neutral venue for India to play their matches at next year’s Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board has announced.

Land surrounding Yala National Park unlawfully cleared

Controversy surrounds the illegal clearance of a plantation belonging to the Forest Conservation Department in the Lunugamwehera range adjacent to the Yala National Park.

Licence ready, Elon Musk’s Starlink yet to import devices to start operation

Despite Elon Musk’s Starlink, the satellite unit of SpaceX, being granted licence to operate in Sri Lanka, the organization is yet to apply for the import of devices to be used in connecting to the service, a top source said.