Govt will decide on PTA or new Anti-Terrorism Bill in its place after new Parliament convenes

Despite pressure being mounted from the opposition, the new government will consider any decision on the current Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) or the Anti-Terrorism Bill introduced by the previous government only after the next Parliament convenes, a top source said.

Happy Diwali

RPCs raise Deepavali festival advances for plantation workforce by up to 25%

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) yesterday said that the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) have raised the festival advances for their workers, with the increase beginning ahead of this year’s Deepavali holiday.

Price drops continue to cool Colombo inflation in October

Inflation in Sri Lanka’s Colombo district fell further in October, marking the third consecutive month of easing, with both food and non-food prices declining amid the improved supply conditions and reduced administrative costs, according to the data from the Census and Statistics Department.

Customs achieve more than 80% by end October – Spokesman

Sri Lanka Customs, one of the three main revenue generating arms of the Treasury, had achieved more than 80% of the stipulated revenue target of Rs.1.53 trillion for the year 2024 by end of October, with positive hopes of surpassing the aim before 2025, the Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka’s construction activity slips in September

Sri Lanka’s construction sector reported a contraction in September, reflecting a slowdown in the activities, influenced by the election-related disruptions, the data from the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) showed on Monday.

Heavy influx of tourists to nine arch bridge

Aheavy influx of foreign and local tourists is being experienced at the historic Nine Arch bridge in Demodara on the upcountry railway line. The bridge built in 1921 during British rule in Sri Lanka is 300 ft long and 80 ft high. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Government must clarify truth on USD 200 million: Gammanpila

The government must reveal the truth about whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka or the World Bank (WB) is being truthful regarding the USD 200 million loan obtained from the WB, former Minister Udaya Gammanpila said.

Train strike called off

The Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) has decided to call off their ongoing trade union strike as of 10 p.m tonight.

Sightseeing Ella...

A large number of tourists visiting Ella expressed satisfaction with the services offered by the authorities. Most tourists used the train service to travel to Ella for sightseeing. Pix by Nisal Baduge

System change often absorbed by existing government: Namal

Even though it is often claimed that the political system of the country needs to be changed, when a new system is brought in, it simply adapts to the ways of the existing government, National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), MP Namal Rajapaksa said.

Ranil slams Harini, asks her if she knows SL’s constitution

One wonders as to where Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has learnt the constitution, Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Electricity tariffs will be reduced soon: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that electricity tariffs will be reduced in a few days.

Station Masters to launch immediate strike over unresolved issues

Following a discussion today to inform the Transport Minister, the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) has decided to launch their trade union action in response to unresolved administrative issues within the Railways Department.

India, Sri Lanka hold fresh talks to prevent illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters

Sri Lanka and India held talks to prevent illegal fishing activities by Indian fishing vessels in Sri Lankan waters in the Northern and Eastern areas of Sri Lanka, the Government Information Department said.

Appeal Court quashes warrant issued on Upul Tharanga

The Court of Appeal today issued an order quashing the decision by the Matale High Court to issue a warrant against cricketer Upul Tharanga, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket’s Selection Committee.

Police personnel cast postal votes

Police personnel at the Cinnamon Gardens Police Station in Colombo wait for their turn to cast postal votes ahead of the Parliamentary Elections scheduled to be held on November 14. Postal voting for the parliamentary elections starts today and will continue till November 4 at all District Secretariats and election offices. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Boyfriend pushes girlfriend to death

The Payagala Police have launched an investigation into the death of a young woman who allegedly hit her head on a stone following a dispute with her boyfriend at a beach near the Diyalagoda Bridge on October 29.

At least 51 dead in flash floods in Spain

At least 51 people are known to have died after torrential rain caused flash floods in south-eastern Spain, authorities have said.

NPP hierarchy taken for ride by some government officials: Former MP

The hierarchy of the National People’s Power (NPP) is being misled by some government officials due to their lack of experience, former MP Madura Vithanage said today.

Petition against Ranjan’s candidacy at General Elections dismissed

A Fundamental Rights petition filed challenging Ranjan Ramanayake from contesting the parliamentary election scheduled for November 14, was dismissed by the Supreme Court.

ICC appoints Sri Lankan legal expert as new chair of Anti-Corruption Unit

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the appointment of Sumathi Dharmawardena P.C. as the new Independent Chair of the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).

A few in our own camp creating issues for me: Hirunika

Samagi Jana Balwegaya (SJB) Colombo District candidate Hirunika Premachandra said a few members of her own camp are creating issues for her.

Johnston released on bail

Former Minister Johnston Fernando, who was arrested and remanded in connection with an unregistered luxury vehicle, has been granted bail.

No postponement of 2024 A/L exam: Examination Department

All arrangements have been made to conduct the 2024 Advanced Level (A/L) examinations from November 25 to December 20, 2024, as scheduled, Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara said.

Canada alleges Indian minister Amit Shah behind plot to target Sikh separatists

The Canadian government alleged on Tuesday that Indian Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, a close ally of Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was behind the plots to target Sikh separatists on Canadian soil.

Police probe into anonymous threat to Chavakachcheri Court

The Chavakachcheri police have initiated a special investigation to identify the individual who anonymously reported a potential attack on the Chavakachcheri Magistrate’s Court in Jaffna.

People in possession of pork to face legal action

In light of the rapid proliferation of African Swine Fever (ASF) among pigs, Sri Lank has temporarily banned slaughtering pigs, selling or distributing pork and pork products.

Security Council discusses bomb threats to passenger aircraft

The National Security Council, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, yesterday discussed a series of bomb threats targeting Indian passenger aircraft and their potential impact on Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Six Bangladeshis arrested in Seeduwa

Six Bangladeshi nationals who had been remaining illegally in the country without valid visas were arrested from a house at Amandoluwa in Seeduwa.