Blaze at South Korea lithium battery plant kills 22 workers

A lithium battery factory in South Korea was set on fire after multiple batteries exploded on Monday, killing 22 workers, most of them Chinese nationals, fire officials said.

VIASL urges Tourism Ministry to include them in vehicle import scheme

Since the Government has reportedly decided to permit the resumption of imports only of brand new vehicles by importing agents, the Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) today requested the Tourism Ministry to provide relief and include them also in the ongoing scheme.

Chongqing Airlines resumes direct flights from China to Colombo

Chongqing Airlines today resumed direct nonstop flights from Chongqing, China to Colombo, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) said.

Agriculture Department aims to boost fruit production by 2027

The Department of Agriculture Department is planning to increase the production of banana, mango, papaya, pineapple and passion fruit by 2027.

Princess Anne admitted to hospital after injury

The Princess Royal has been admitted to hospital after she suffered minor injuries and concussion on her estate in Gloucestershire, Buckingham Palace has said.

CERT warns public of increasing fake message scams

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has urged the public to exercise caution due to a rise in fake messages allegedly sent by banks, commercial institutions and international organizations.

4 Kgs of ice seized at Central Mail Exchange

A package containing 4 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, known as ’Ice,’ was taken into custody at the Central Mail Exchange (CME) in Colombo this evening.

Assign us to teaching positions...

The Union of All Ceylon School Development Officers’ today marked the 15th days of their Sathyagrahaya outside the Fort Railways station, demanding government assignment of School Development Officers to teaching positions.

Ayurvedics protest in heavy rain

A police officer diligently maintains law and order despite the heavy rain lashing down during a protest staged by Ayurvedic practitioners in Colombo today.

Education Ministry requests special security for state universities

The Education Ministry has requested the Secretary of the Public Security Ministry to ensure special security measures for the safety of state university lecturers, students and non-academic staff, as well as for the protection of public property.

Harin threatens to resign over claims of cricketers partying in nightclubs

Minister of Sports Harin Fernando said today that he will resign from his position if claims of Sri Lankan cricketers partying late at night in US nightclubs during the T20 World Cup were substantiated.

Sri Lanka women secure historic T20I victory over West Indies

In a stunning display of bowling prowess, Sri Lanka Women clinched their first T20I victory over West Indies Women since 2015, powered by standout performances from Chamari Athapaththu and Inoshi Priyadharshani.

Heroin smuggling school teacher, husband nabbed in Anuradhapura

A lady teacher of a leading school in Anuradhapura town and her husband, an employee of a holiday resort, were arrested by the Anuradhapura Police on suspicion of their involvement in drug peddling.

AI to boost global banking profits by US $ 170 bn in 5 years

Artificial Intellingence (AI) is set to drive global banking sector profits up by US $ 170 billion by 2028, a new report by Citi Group has found.

Sri Lanka plans Ed Sheeran concert in 2025

Sri Lanka is gearing up to host a major international music event with plans for a concert featuring global superstar Ed Sheeran in January 2025.

SJB Gampaha District organisers call for immediate removal of Fonseka

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Gampaha District organisers made a formal request from the party hierarchy to remove Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka from the party with immediate effect.

Navy seizes 27 Indian trawlers, detains 204 fishermen in 2024

The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a total of 27 Indian poaching trawlers and detained 204 Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters so far in 2024.

Music meets history in Indonesia...

Popular Sri Lankan singer Umaria Sinhawansa and journalists visiting Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist monument, during an official visit to Indonesia. Borobudur, built between AD 780 and 840, showcases Gupta architecture influenced by India with unique Indonesian elements.

Sachitra Senanayake’s house robbed

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Sachitra Senanayake’s residence in Kalalgoda, Pannipitiya, was targeted in a robbery, according to a statement from Thalangama Police.

Hajj death toll crosses 1300; 83% unauthorised pilgrims

At least 1,300 people have died during the hajj pilgrimage, which took place during intense heat, Saudi Arabia has said, adding that most of the deceased did not have official permits.

UPDATE- President to address nation on economic reforms

President Ranil Wickremesinghe will address the nation on Wednesday, June 26, to brief the country’s economic challenges and provide an update on foreign debt restructuring efforts.

South Africa beat West Indies to reach T20 World Cup semi-finals

South Africa edged the West Indies by three wickets in a rain-affected Super Eights match on Sunday to reach the T20 World Cup semi-finals and eliminate the host nation.

New State Minister of Trade and Environment appointed

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Sathasivam Viyalendiran was sworn in as the State Minister of Trade and Environment this morning.

Fuel pricing: Consumers in lurch without competitive reductions

Despite the presence of some global fuel giants in retail trading, consumers are yet to benefit from competitive price reductions substantially prompting the government to mull tightening their profit margins through a Cabinet decision in the future, a top official said.

Gunmen kill police, priest in attacks on places of worship in Russia

At least 15 police officers and a priest were killed by gunmen on Sunday in what appear to be coordinated attacks on multiple places of worship in Russia’s southernmost Dagestan province, local authorities said.

Advisory for strong winds and rough seas issued

The Meteorological Department issued a warning for naval and fishing communities on adverse weather conditions affecting various sea areas and regions across the country.

SJB to take action against Fonseka this week

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is to take disciplinary action against its Chairman Sarath Fonseka this week, Party General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said yesterday.

Political rhetoric on IMF programme to ease post-election: Ruchir Desai

Given the current economic realities, a top fund manager speculated that any political rhetoric on the IMF programme during the election campaign trail in Sri Lanka is likely....

Sri Lanka’s consumer confidence remained largely unchanged in May

Sri Lanka’s consumer confidence remained largely unchanged in May. It stands slightly below the peak levels in March, but with a sizeable uptick towards late....

Only rating agencies can announce a nation has come out of bankruptcy: Harsha

It is the rating agencies that should announce that a nation has come out of bankruptcy, SJB MP Harsha De Silva said today.