President tenders apology for making cremation compulsory during COVID pandemic

President Ranil Wickremesinghe tendered an apology for making cremation compulsory during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Postage stamp to be increased to Rs. 100 in July

A proposal has been made to increase the price of an ordinary postage stamp to Rs. 100 by July, Mass Media Ministry Secretary Anusha Palpita said.

Sri Lanka Cricket team returns home

The Sri Lankan cricket team arrived back on the island this morning following their participation in the ICC T20 World Cup held in the US.

CCD and Honda crack down on counterfeit spare parts

In a collaborated effort to combat the distribution of counterfeit spare parts, the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) and the Honda Motor Company initiated multiple criminal raids in different areas of the country.

Salary increase for CB officials: COPF approves investigation committee report recommendations

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has approved the recommendations made by the committee appointed to look into the salary increases of Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) employees, COPF Chief Harsha de Silva told Parliament today.

Pfizer sued for hiding adverse effects of COVID vaccine

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has filed a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company over its marketing of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Bangladesh Pacer Tanzim fined for ’Contact’ with Nepal Captain

Bangladesh’s Tanzim Hasan Saqib has been fined 15 percent of his match fee after confronting Nepal captain Rohit Paudel during a World Cup game, the cricket council said Wednesday.

Indian Foreign Minister to visit Sri Lanka tomorrow

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jayashankar is scheduled for an official visit to Sri Lanka tomorrow (20), the Foreign Ministry said.

Enhanced rainy conditions expected in multiple areas

The prevailing rainy conditions in the south-western part of Sri Lanka are expected to increase over the next few days, according to weather forecasts issued today.

PUSCL seeks public input on electricity tariff revision

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has has called for public opinions regarding the revision of the 2nd round of electricity tariff reductions, proposed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for 2024.

Minor earth tremor reported in Vavuniya

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau confirmed that a minor tremor with a magnitude of 2.3 was reported 23 kilometres from Vavuniya last night.

Sri Lankan health officials urge public not to panic

Amidst growing concerns over the spread of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), or commonly known as ’flesh-eating bacteria’ across Japan, Sri Lankan health authorities have moved to reassure the public, emphasizing that there is no cause for panic.

Water quality change near MV X-Press Pearl disaster site triggers concerns: NARA

Chemical and physical parameters of recent water samples collected from the sea close to the MV X-Press Pearl disaster site have changed, triggering concerns whether it is a direct result of the incident, a top official said yesterday.

Experts warn Economic Transformation Bill may deter foreign investments

The Economic Transformation Bill could create an oasis in an island of bad governance, sparking uncertainty among foreign investors and threatening the flow of crucial investments, warn legal and investment experts.

Countrywide liquor banned on Poson Poya Day, seven days in Anuradhapura

The sale of all alcoholic beverages will be banned countrywide on Friday, June 21st in view of the Poson Full Moon Poya Day and the sale of booze is prohibited from two to seven days in selected sacred zones by order of the Excise Commissioner General.

CEA organises ghee rice dansala for Poson

The Central Environment Authority (CEA) is to organise a special ghee rice dansala today from 12.00 noon onwards at its premises at No. 104, Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha in Battaramulla in line with the Poson full moon Poya day.

China, Sri Lanka conduct diplomatic consultations

Vice Foreign Minister of China Sun Weidong and Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Aruni Yasodha Wijewardane held the 13th round of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic consultations in Beijing.

SC justifies termination of employment on financial misconduct

The Supreme Court today, in its judgement on an industrial dispute case, justified the termination of an employee’s employment on the grounds of financial misconduct.

UNP zonal leaders spring into action

President Ranil Wickremesinghe distributed letters of appointment to United National Party (UNP) zonal organizers at the party headquarters, Sirikotha, today (June 18). UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, Chairman Vajira Abeywardana and National Organiser Sagala Ratnayake were also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Netball star Tharjini Sivalingam marries R. Prasad in Chennai

Former Sri Lanka Netball Captain Tharjini Sivalingam married R. Prasad, a popular Indian businessman, in Chennai on Monday. The ceremony was attended by several Sri Lankan netball players, friends, and well-wishers.

Donkey population in Kalpitiya at risk

The unique donkey population native to the Kalpitiya Peninsula, which contributed to the area’s biodiversity, is facing the threat of extinction, causing concern among environmentalists.

Biden offers citizenship to immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens

President Joe Biden on Tuesday will announce a program offering a path to citizenship to hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the U.S. illegally who are married to U.S. citizens, a large-scale legalization effort that contrasts sharply with Republican rival Donald Trump’s plan for mass deportations.

Senior citizens demand...

The National Federation of Public Service Pensioners’ Association staged a protest at Polduwa Junction, Battaramulla today, demanding a 15% senior citizens’ fixed deposit interest rate and at least 70% of the increased allowance provided to state employees.

Educating schoolchildren on road safety...

The annual art exhibition and drawing competition was held, targeting schools in the Northern Province, under the guidance of the National Transport Commission. The main event was held last Saturday (15) at the Jaffna Hindu College. The primary purpose of the art competition is to educate schoolchildren on road safety and improve their creative abilities in the Northern Province.

Special security programmes for Poson Poya day

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshbandu Tennakoon has instructed the relevant authorities to implement special security programmes to ensure the safety of religious and cultural events for this year’s Poson festival.

Constitutional Council rejects President’s proposal to extend AG’s term

The Constitutional Council has rejected President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal to extend the term of office for Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam (PC) by another six months.

Sudden railway trade union action called off

The sudden railway trade union action scheduled to be launched by the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) was decided to be called off as their demands are being considered by the Public Service Commission.

Fulfill our demands...

The University Trade Union Collective held a protest in front of the Finance Ministry today demanding the fulfillment of their employee salaries and the provision of the wages they are entitled to.

What next for Sri Lanka in T20s?

Sri Lanka ended their T20 World Cup campaign on a high note when they hammered Netherlands in their final game.

Vacancy in National Police Commission; Applications called from interested individuals

Applications have been called from interested individuals to fill in a vacancy in the post of a member of the National Police Commission, the Communications Department of Parliament said.