More artistes take to active politics

Sri Lanka is to see the common phenomenon of artistes entering into politics at this year’s General Elections as well with a number of artistes entering the fray for the first time.

Enhanced showery condition from tomorrow

Showery conditions are expected to enhance in the South-Western part of the country in the next few days from tomorrow (10), the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

President meets Customs, IRD officials: Discusses strategies on enhancing revenue generation

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a key meeting today with senior officials from both the Sri Lanka Customs Department and the Inland Revenue Department on strategies to enhance revenue generation and improve operational efficiency within both departments, in line with the government’s broader economic mandate.

Bhanuka Returns to Sri Lanka T20I Squad for West Indies Series

Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been recalled to the Sri Lanka T20I Squad, which will be captained by Charith Asalanka for the upcoming threematch series against the West Indies.

Court issues arrest warrant on Gnanasara Thera

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today issued a warrant for the arrest of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera for not being present in Court in connection with a case filed against him.

Swiss Ambassador pledges support to President for economic, anti-corruption efforts

While extending congratulations to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Swiss Ambassador Dr. (Ms.) Siri Walt expressed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka, particularly through the ongoing IMF programme and readiness to assist in President Dissanayake’s efforts to combat corruption.

SL opposes resolution passed by UNHRC

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution today aimed at fostering reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka, even though the new Sri Lankan government has dismissed it.

No suspension of school meal programme, confirms Education Ministry secretary

Despite ongoing discussions on social media over suspending the Education Ministry’s programme to provide a main meal to all students in Grades 1 through 5, Education Ministry Secretary J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara said that no such decision has been taken.

Shaahid Zumri to represent Kandy SC

Vice-Captain of the Isipathana College First XV Rugby Team this year and crack centre and fly half Shaahid Zumri will represent Kandy SC in the Inter-Club rugby season, which will kick-off in November, 2024. Shaahid completed a successful schools rugby stint, representing Isipathana First XV Rugby Team for three years.

Three-wheeler fares revised

The Western Province Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authority has announced a revision of three-wheeler fares with effect from October 7.

Pope Francis conveys greetings to Anura Kumara on his victory

The Vatican Ambassador, Reverend Dr. Brian Udaigwe met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, where he conveyed heartfelt greetings from Pope Francis, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

SLPP to have a new face in North, Geethanath Cassilingham to contest from Jaffna

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Politburo member Geethanath Cassilingham signed nomination papers to contest the upcoming General Election from the Jaffna District.

Action ...

Actors and acressess in action between Ella and Demodara stations as filming takes place on the Nine Arches Bridge. Train services between Colombo Fort and Badulla were limited to the Ella station from today till October 15 due to an Indo-Lanka joint film project. Pix by Prasanna Padmasiri

Concerns raised over disease spreading among pigs

Health authorities have sounded the alarm over the spread of a viral disease called ’Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome’ among pigs, hogs and boars in Sri Lanka.

Three-month grace period begins for Sri Lankans in Lebanon

A three-month grace period has been granted from October 8 for Sri Lankans living in Lebanon who have not registered themselves with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) or have not updated their registrations.

Govt. suspends selling of Nuwara Eliya post office premises

The government has decided to suspend the decision taken by the previous government to provide the colonial-era Nuwara Eliya post office for a hotel project, Minister Vijitha Herath said.

Govt assures no cuts to entitlements for tri-forces personnel

The Government has no intentions of curtailing the entitlements accorded to tri forces personnel, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Sampath Thuyacontha said.

U.S. Admiral to arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow

Admiral Steve Koehler, a 4-star U.S. Navy Admiral and Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, will visit Sri Lanka tomorrow (October 10), marking the highest-level U.S. military visit to the country since 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka said.

Political risks to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring agreement recede: Fitch

The Sri Lankan authorities’ confirmation that they endorse the targets set under the country’s IMF programme, and intend to implement debt restructuring based on the terms agreed with international sovereign bondholders in September, reduces risks to the debt treatment process associated with the outcome of the presidential election on 21 September, said Fitch Ratings.

New party launched...

Sri Lanka’s ’Smoke & Bitters’ among world’s 50 best bars

Smoke & Bitters in Hiriketiya has made history as the first bar from Sri Lanka to enter the World’s 50 Best Bars list.

Florida faces ’matter of life and death’ as Hurricane Milton closes in

Florida residents are rushing to finish emergency preparations - or just leave - as Hurricane Milton races toward landfall on the heavily-populated Tampa Bay.

Ranjan and T M Dilshan announce formation of United Democratic Voice

Actor-turned-politician Ranjan Ramanayake and former Sri Lankan cricketer T.M. Dilshan announced the forming of a new political party, the United Democratic Voice (UDV), a short while ago.

Showers above 75 mm on the cards

The Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains of over 75 mm in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, Uva and Eastern Provinces as well as the Galle and Matara districts.

Afghan man arrested in alleged US election day attack plot

The suspect, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, is a citizen of Afghanistan residing in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, according to prosecutors.

India eye Asia Cup revenge against Sri Lanka

On a sticky wicket after a mixed start to the campaign, India will look to fix their batting woes to bolster their net run rate when they take on bottom-placed Sri Lanka in their third and penultimate Group ‘A’ match of the T20 Women’s World Cup in Dubai today.

Israel says it has killed slain Hezbollah leader’s successors

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday Israeli airstrikes had killed two successors to Hezbollah’s slain leader, as Israel expanded its ground offensive against the Iran-backed group with a fourth army division deployed into south Lebanon.

Train services limited up to Ella for six days

The Railways Department announced that train services between Colombo Fort and Badulla will be limited to Ella station from today till October 15 due to an Indo-Lanka joint film project.

Ranjan to quit SJB?

Former MP Ranjan Ramanayake who was imprisoned for contempt of court and granted pardon is likely shift sides and contest for the General Election from a new party if his civic rights are restored.

Education Ministry seeks clarification from CIS

Following a 15-year-old girl jumping to death from the Lotus Tower, the Education Ministry has decided to seek a clarification from Colombo International School (CIS) where she studied, an official said yesterday.