President orders officials to speed up Zion Church renovation

President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed officials to explain the hold-ups in the renovation of the Zion Church in Batticaloa, which was damaged in the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

Property tax will come into effect after first quarter of 2025

The proposed property tax will come into effect after the first quarter of 2025 and will not affect 90% of the ordinary people, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Announcement on obtaining NICs

Individuals over the age of 40 who have not obtained their National Identity Cards (NIC) due to the lack of their birth certificates can still apply for their NICs, Commissioner General of the Department for Registration of Persons, Pradeep Saputantri said.

25% of doctors ready to migrate, says GMOA

The Government Medical Officers Association warned of a wave of economic crisis-driven brain drain among medical professionals, as 25 percent of them have already taken the necessary exams to find employment abroad.

Jaishankar shares with Prime Minister how BJP weathered election campaign

High-profile visits often highlight serious discussions, but they also have lighter, more human moments that slip under the radar.

International Yoga Day celebrated

Nearly 1,000 yoga enthusiasts today celebrated the International Yoga Day at the Galle Face Green. Several parliamentarians also participated in the event. International Yoga Day falls today.

Sajith pledges support for India’s quest for permanent seat in UN Security Council

The Indian Minister who was on a visit to Sri Lanka on Thursday met with the delegation of Mr. Premadasa’s Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and its alliance partners.

Over 100mm rains today

Heavy rains above 100mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces and in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Puttalam districts, the forecasting division, National Meteorological Centre said.

Sri Lanka again rejects UN evidence mechanism, citing globallegal impact

Sri Lanka has once again declined to accept the external evidence-gathering mechanism established by UN Human Rights Council resolutions 46/1 and 51/1, emphasizing significant legal and political implications for all nations involved.

Shooting at grocery store in US kills 3 and wounds 10

Three people were killed and 10 wounded in a shooting at a grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, the Arkansas State Police said in a news conference Friday.

WHO asks Sri Lanka to be alert on bird flu as global fears mount

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has directed Sri Lanka to go on alert in the wake of the recent detection of avian influenza or bird flu in humans in neighbouring countries like India,Daily Mirror learns.

Nortje and De Kock star as South Africa edge England in T20 World Cup

Anrich Nortje held his nerve as South Africa remained unbeaten at the T20 World Cup after defeating reigning champions England by seven runs in a thrilling second-round Super Eights clash in St. Lucia on Friday.

Lankadeepa Poson Aloka Pooja

Lankadeepa Poson Aloka Pooja illumination at the Thanthirimale Rajamaha Vihara organized by Wijeya Newspapers Ltd was inaugurated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe for the 21st time this evening.The historic Thanthirimale Cheithiya and the temple grounds will be illuminated on June 21, 22 and 23.

Customs nab BIA security guard smuggling Rs. 48 Mn worth gold biscuits

A security guard trying to smuggle gold biscuits worth Rs. 48 million into the country from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) was nabbed by Sri Lanka Customs.

University non-academic staff not paid due to strike, says union

The university’s non-academic employees have claimed they have not received their June salaries due to the ongoing strike, the University Trade Union Joint Committee (UTUJC) said.

Manioc Dansala

A Manioc Dansala was held at Dam Street, Colombo in view of the Poson Poya day by the Dam Street Police. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Catholic Church refutes Maithripala’s allegations

The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka today refuted the claims made by former President Maithripala Sirisena that funds received from various sources to be given to the Easter Sunday bomb victims have not been disbursed to them.

Fonseka criticising Sajith as he was denied presidential candidacy: Digambaram

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka criticised SJB leader and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa as Fonseka was not given the Presidential candidature as requested, Tamil Progressive Alliance Deputy Leader Parliamentarian Palani Digambaram said.

Man arrested for defrauding Rs. 50 mn promising student visa in Russia

A suspect who defrauded over Rs. 50 million from people around the country, promising student visas in Russia was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night.

Distorting of Karaniya Metta Sutta to be probed

The Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry requested the Police Cyber Crimes Unit, and the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) to carry out a probe into the distorting of the Karaniya Metta Sutta.

Heavy rainfall, strong winds on the cards

The Meteorology Department has issued a weather advisory for several regions in Sri Lanka, warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next few days.

Blood saves lives...

A blood donation camp was held today at the Sri Lanka Blood Bank in Colombo, organized by the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society, in observance of Poson Poya day. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Over 280 prisoners get presidential pardon on Poson Day

A total of 289 prisoners are to be released today (21) on a presidential pardon in line with the Poson Poya Day.

Actor Donald Sutherland dies aged 88

The Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, star of films including The Hunger Games and Don’t Look Now, has died at 88 after a long illness.

Government to rebuild houses damaged by adverse weather

The Government is taking necessary measures to either rebuild or provide compensation, subject to a maximum limit, for houses that have been completely damaged by the recent adverse weather conditions.

Lankadeepa Aloka Pooja commences today

Lankadeepa Poson Aloka Pooja illumination in Thanthirimale Rajamaha Vihara organized by Wijeya Newspapers Ltd will be held on June 21, 22 and 23.

Applications for 2024 GCE A/L close on July 10

The Examinations Department has announced the deadline for submitting applications for the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations online.

Religious observances on Poson Poya

The Buddhist devotees were seen engaging religious activities at Gangarama Temple on Poson Full moon poya day. Poson Poya is an annual festival held by Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrating the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century. The most important festivals of the festival are held in Anuradhapura and Mihinthalee.Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Fresh research underway with NBRO to identify non-risky city trees: CMC

A fresh research to identify non-risky trees in Colombo is underway by the authorities to determine the hazard posed to the public, as the recent inclement weather mostly led to the collapse of trees that were not previously identified as risky, the Daily Mirror learns.

Jaishankar seeks non-derailment of India-funded projects under incoming government

With the prospect of elections in Sri Lanka, visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reportedly said in his meetings here that it is important that India-funded projects such as renewable energy projects are not derailed by any incoming government.