Parliamentarians under IRD radar for possible tax-related frauds

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is reported to have upped the ante on parliamentarians over possible involvement in tax frauds, Daily Mirror learns.

Omarzai’s fireworks steers Jaffna Kings to thrilling win

Azmatullah Omarzai’s fireworks paved the way as Tim Seifert’s unbeaten ton for Galle Marvels was in vain for Jaffna Kings to pull off a thrilling five-wicket win with two balls remaining over unbeaten Galle Marvels in the sixth match of the fifth Lanka Premier League tournament played under floodlights at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday.

Southwest monsoon gets active with bountiful rain

Southwest Monsoon is expected to get active once again during the coming days, Director General Department of Meteorology Athula Karunanayake said yesterday.

Suspension on Perpetual Treasuries further extended by 6 months

The Central Bank yesterday extended the suspension on controversial primary dealer Perpetual Treasuries Limited by another six months.

Beyond borders: Sri Lanka’s journey with Indonesia

Sri Lanka, nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, boasts of a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Positioned as a key nation in Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka is at a pivotal juncture for growth and development, drawing invaluable lessons from Indonesia’s dynamic trajectory.

Two weeks of dry spell of liquor for Kataragama Esala Festival

The sale of alcoholic beverages has been banned for 16 days by order of the Excise Chief in respect of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya’s Esala Festival, which is to commence today in the Southern religious town of Kataragama.

Sri Lanka acquires sniffer dogs from Netherlands for Rs. 58 Mn

The Police Kennels Division has acquired a pack of 35 sniffer dogs at a cost of Rs.58 million from the Netherlands.

Qatar Airways to increase Colombo-Doha flight frequency

Qatar Airways has announced plans to boost its flight frequency between Sri Lanka and Doha, Qatar, from five to six daily flights, effective July 10, 2024.

Starmer takes PM helm...

Britain’s head of state King Charles III officially appointed Labour leader Keir Starmer as prime minister on Friday during an audience at Buckingham Palace. A photograph released by the palace showed the monarch shaking hands with Starmer, whose party won a landslide election victory. The king earlier accepted the resignation of Conservative leader Rishi Sunak.

World leaders congratulate Starmer after stunning election win

The Labour party’s thumping general election victory, which ended 14 years of Conservative party rule in the UK, drew congratulations from leaders around the world – and reminded Keir Starmer of the complex global challenges he will have to navigate as prime minister.

Launch of 'He is Ari'...

Media icon Ariya Rubasinghe’s biography, ‘He is Ari” was launched at the Government Information Department amidst a group of distinguished guests, including Minister of Transport and Media Bandula Gunawardene, SJB MPs S.M. Marikkar and Chief Incumbent of Bellanwila temple, Chief Sanga Nayaka Singapore, Venerable Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thera and Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake. Pictured here is the presentation of the first copy.

Special traffic plan for Bohra convention

The police have announced a special traffic plan in conjunction with the Bohra convention scheduled to be held from July 7 to 16 at the Bambalapitiya Bohra Mosque and the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre.

NPP urges SC to dismiss petition against Presidential poll

Filing an intervention petition against the Fundamental Rights petition, which sought an order restraining the Election Commission from holding the Presidential election in 2024, National People’s Power Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath has moved the Supreme Court to dismiss the petition at the outset, citing that it was misconceived in law.

Sri Lankan-origin Uma Kumaran elected to UK Parliament

British national of Sri Lankan descent Uma Kumaran has been elected as the Member of Parliament for Stratford and Bow, following the General Election.

Keir Starmer appointed UK prime minister after historic victory

Sir Keir Starmer has become Britain’s new prime minister after winning a historic Labour majority of more than 170 seats.

Sri Lanka secures $8 Billion debt relief, says President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced an $8 billion debt relief package in line with the ongoing debt restructuring process.

Dhammika Perera says he is geared to run for President

Tycoon and Member of Parliament Dhammika Perera announced his readiness to contest the upcoming Presidential Election, contingent on the decision of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Fatal accident in Soranathota leaves four dead

A lorry overturned in Soranathota, Badulla, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least four individuals.

Work on flyover...

A group of construction workers on the flyover leading to the Colombo-Slave Island railway line. This flyover is scheduled to be opened next week. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

SJB denies association with petitioner seeking Presidential poll postponement

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today denied any association with Chamindra Dayan Lenawa, who filed a petition calling for the postponement of the Presidential election by one year.

Construction Expo 2024 opens in Colombo

The Construction Power and Energy Expo 2024 organized by the Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (LECS) kicked off today at the BMICH, Colombo. The Construction Power & Energy Expo is Sri Lanka’s premier exhibition in the construction, interior products, power, and energy-related sectors. On this occasion, Sri Lanka Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong attended as a special guest. The exhibition will be held until July 7. Pix by Kithsiri

Against ilmenite mining, shrimp farming

Fishermen and the people in Vakarai, Batticaloa today held a protest march from Kaddumurivu Junction to Puchchakkerni Post Office protesting against the rapid removal of ilmenite from the coastal regions and the impacts of shrimp farming on their livelihood and the environment.

African state Sierra Leone offers investment opportunities for Sri Lanka

As part of ongoing efforts to promote economic diplomacy in Africa, Sri Lankan ambassador Kana Ambassador Kananathan met with Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio in Freetown and discussed investment opportunities yesterday.

Sixteen FD accounts with Rs.93mn of Keheliya’s family members frozen for 3 months

The Colombo High Court today further extended its order to freeze 16 fixed deposit accounts and three insurance policies belonging to the family members of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella for three months.

Do not pay tax if monthly income does not exceed Rs. 100,000: Finance Ministry

State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya clarified that individuals who have received letters or text messages from the Inland Revenue Department requesting tax payments need not comply if their monthly income does not exceed Rs. 100,000.

Veterinarians to support MPs backing ’Animal Welfare Bill’

The Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population Association said today that they will only support parliamentary members who support the Animal Welfare Bill.

UK PM Rishi Sunak concedes defeat with Labour set for landslide election win

The U.K.’s opposition Labour Party is on course to win a huge parliamentary majority in the country’s general election, unseating the incumbent Conservatives after 14 years.

PHI murder in Elpitiya was a case of mistaken identity

Following the arrest of the gunman linked to the murder of Public Health Inspector (PHI) Deepal Roshan Kumara in Elpitiya last February, investigations revealed that the fatal shooting was a case of mistaken identity, as the slain PHI was inadvertently shot instead of a police officer in the area, police sources said.

Fire forces temporary closure of A-9 Road in Akurana

The Kandy-Matale main road (A9) has been temporarily closed due to a fire at a bakery and restaurant in Akurana, Police said.

Whitening cream endorsed by Piumi Hansamali not registered with NMRA

The beauty products, including skin whitening creams endorsed by model Piumi Hansamali are not registered with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Daily Mirror learns.