Iranians vote in presidential election with limited choices

Iranians voted on Friday for a new president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, choosing from a tightly controlled group of four candidates loyal to the supreme leader at a time of growing public frustration and Western pressure.

Keheliya further remanded

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who was arrested over the import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, was further remanded until July 12 by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

Hirunika jailed...

Former Colombo district Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra was observed being escorted outside the Colombo High Court today following her conviction for involvement in the abduction of a youth using a Defender. The court sentenced her to three years in prison. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Bus fares slashed by 5%, minimum fare Rs.28

The bus fare will be reduced by five percent from July 1, Inter Provincial Private Bus Association (IPPBA) secretary Anjana Priyanjith said.

Japan to resume projects in Sri Lanka

The Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Misukoshi Hideki, said that Japan will promptly resume its projects in Sri Lanka that were previously halted, once the related MoUs are signed.

Two giant pandas from China heading to US

Two giant pandas are on their way from China to the San Diego Zoo, the first pair of pandas to enter the United States in 21 years, according to the zoo’s press release.

Daily Mirror journalist bags top Environmental Award

Prageeth Sampath Karunathilaka, an investigative journalist for the Daily Mirror, has won the Gold Award in the Media Sector - Individual Category (English medium) at the Presidential Environmental Awards 2024.

China’s Vice Minister calls on Mahinda Rajapaksa in Beijing

China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sun Weidong, called on former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Beijing today and reiterated the strong partnership between China and Sri Lanka.

A 15-hour water cut in Colombo tomorrow

Colombo residents are set to experience a 15-hour water cut tomorrow (29) as the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced that water supply to several areas in the city will be suspended.

EV Motor Show 2024

Sri Lanka’s first-ever Electric Vehicle Expo 2024 was launched today at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). Organized by Asia Exhibition & Conventions (PVT) LTD, the event will run until Sunday (30th). The launch was attended by Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardana and Justice, Prisons Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.

Hirunika to seek bail

Former Colombo district Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra, who has been jailed for 3 years by the High Court of Colombo for her involvement in the abduction of a youth using a Defender, is expected to seek bail from the Colombo High Court.

Podimenike derails near Watawala

The train services on the upcountry railway line have been disrupted due to the derailment of the Podimenike Intercity Express train, the Railways Department said.

Falling roof pillars smash cars at Delhi airport

A roof at Delhi airport has collapsed after heavy rain, killing one person and injuring several more.

CID arrests Sanjaya Mahawatta

The chairman of the ’Magen Ratata’ movement, Sanjaya Mahawatta, was arrested today (28) by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Hirunika jailed for three years over for abduction of youth

Former Colombo district Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra was found guilty of her involvement in the abduction of a youth using a Defender and was given a three-year prison sentence by the Colombo High Court today.

Second round evaluation for 2024 (A/L) answer scripts commenced

The second round of evaluation of answer scripts from the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination will begin today, the Examinations Department said.

New Electricity Act came into effect yesterday: Ministry

The New Electricity Act, which was endorsed by the Speaker three weeks ago, came into effect yesterday (27), the Power and Energy Ministry said.

Six dead after train and bus collide at Slovakia level-crossing

At least six people have been killed after an international express train collided with a bus on a level crossing in southern Slovakia, emergency workers say.

Sajith raises concern

Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), raised concerns yesterday regarding the debt restructuring agreement signed by the government with official creditor countries, citing specific issues with the terms negotiated.

EC constitutionally empowered to call for Presidential poll in less than three weeks

The Election Commission which will get constitutional authority to conduct the presidential election independent of any governmental interference in another three weeks time has sprung up into action by issuing a circular to initiate action for staff, vehicle mobilization and polling centre inspections, an official said.

Pavithra’s gazette on Viduthalathive Nature Reserve suspended by SC

The Supreme Court issued an interim order staying the operation of the Extraordinary Gazette issued by Wildlife Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi changing the boundaries of the Vedithalathivu Nature Reserve for an aquaculture project.

ADB shares possible support to local startups

Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem is likely to receive a fresh boost in future as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday announced that the segment is among those that have been identified for support.

India rout England to set up T20 World Cup final with South Africa

India hammered defending champions England by 68 runs in Guyana on Thursday to set up a T20 World Cup final showdown against South Africa.

1,251 MW of solar power generation expected by end of this year

Sri Lanka is expected to achieve a total capacity of 1,251 MW from solar power generation by the end of this year, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.

Fulfill schools’ essential needs before making teachers’, principals’ services essential

While condemning the President’s statement on declaring the services of teachers and principals as essential services, Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin said that before declaring these services as essential, the essential needs of schools must be fulfilled in the first place.

Exports of illegal metal, iron, related equipment, scrap prohibited

Efforts are underway to prohibit the illegal export of metal, iron, related equipment and scrap from the country. All metal exports must receive approval from the Ministry of Industry, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

60 Indians arrested in major online financial scam bust

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested 60 Indian nationals during a crackdown on online financial crimes across the Thalangama, Madiwela and Negombo areas.

Last rites for SL Navy sailor

The funeral of a sailor of the Sri Lanka Navy, who succumbed after suffering critical injuries due to the aggressive maneuvers of an Indian trawler, resisting its seizure in the seas off Kankesanthurai within Sri Lankan maritime waters, was held with the participation of a large crowed with full honours of the Navy, at Ibbagamuwa. Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda and Northern Rural Maritime Association members also attended the funeral.

Eight houses collapsed due to landslide in Eheliyagoda

At least eight houses were razed to the ground by a massive landslide at Getahetta at Uduwana in Eheliyagoda this afternoon.

Decision to report to work is ours, not the Minister’s: CTU

In reference to the statement made by Acting Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana requesting the teachers to report to work, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) said that it is up to them to decide, not the Minister.