NGOs spend billions unchecked

The local and international NGOs registered with the National NGO Secretariat - have committed to spend as much as Rs.30 billion this year, yet more than double this amount is spent by such organisations which are unregistered, warranting the need to enact the proposed NGO Regulation and Supervision Bill as early as possible, an informed source said.

Sri Lanka exceeds last October’s tourist arrivals in first 27 days of month

Sri Lanka surpassed last October’s total tourist arrivals within the first 27 days of this month, indicating the potential for a double-digit growth trajectory.

Sri Lanka must shift to trade-oriented production to manage debt post-IMF: Economist

As Sri Lanka prepares to resume repayment of its significant sovereign debt by 2028, a leading economist has called for a strategic shift towards trade-oriented production, to secure a primary surplus essential for debt management, once the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme concludes.

Socialist parties in Sri Lanka facing new challenge: NPP

The National People’s Party (NPP) which obtained a single seat at the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha elections held yesterday, said people have made it clear in recent times that socialist parties cannot run a government effectively and safeguard its socialist ideology at the same time.

Conversation during party meeting

Former President Ranil Wickremeisnghe, former MPs and candidates of the New Democratic Alliance (DNA), candidates Susil Prema Jayantha, Premanath Dollawatta and Ravi Karunanayake in conversation during a party meeting held in Athurugiriya today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

SLCERT warns WhatsApp users against sharing OTPs to prevent hacking

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) warned WhatsApp users today not to share any one-time password (OTP) with third parties, as their accounts are at risk of being hacked.

Station Masters to launch immediate trade union action

The Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) has decided to initiate immediate trade union action in response to the recruitment of Station Masters in violation of traditional recruitment procedures.

Former Deputy Speaker refutes allegations over official residence

While refuting reports, former Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapaksha said he has handed over his official residence to the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry.

Shortcomings in procurement process cause significant losses to government: NPC tells President

Shortcomings in the procurement process are causing significant losses to the government, officials from the National Procurement Commission (NPC) informed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today.

Case against Wimal Weerawansa postponed due to health issues

The trial against National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa, facing charges for causing disturbance to the public and normal traffic movements during a protest held in 2016, was today postponed as he failed to appear in court due to illness.

No travel ban, U.S. advisory for Sri Lanka similar to popular destinations, says Envoy

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said there is no travel ban on Sri Lanka, and the security advisory for Sri Lanka remains at Level 2, similar to other popular destinations such as France, Italy and the Maldives.

Northern train services resume

New York artist Spencer Tunick shoots mass nude photo on iconic Story Bridge

Thousands of men and women have stripped naked on Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge to take part in a dramatic art shoot.

Complaints related to General Elections mount: Eight incidents of violence

A total of 76 fresh complaints related to the upcoming Parliamentary elections were received, taking the total number of complaints to over 800.

Gary Kirsten steps down as Pakistan’s white-ball coach amid rift with PCB

A formal statement from the PCB regarding Kirsten’s departure is expected soon

Derailment on coastal line

A train plying to Colombo Fort from Panadura derailed at the Kompannavidiya railway station this morning, the Railways Department said.

Social media platform X suspends Hebrew account of Iran supreme leader

Times of Israel - Social media platform X has suspended the Hebrew-language account of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a day after it was opened.

World Test Championship - State of Play ahead of 2025 final

We take a look at what lies ahead for all Test sides and who remains in contention of reaching the 2025 World Test Championship Final.

Japan’s government in flux after election gives no party majority

The make-up of Japan’s future government was in flux on Monday after voters punished Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s scandal-tainted ruling coalition, leaving no party with a clear mandate to lead the world’s fourth-largest economy.

Massive crowd at Vijay’s first political meeting

Indian actor Thalapathy Vijay has made his official entry into politics with the launch of his new party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam. The inaugural event was held on October 27 in Vikravandi, Tamil Nadu, drawing large crowds of enthusiastic supporters.

Prez vows to scrap perks for former presidents once again

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake vowed once again that the perks and benefits of the past heads of state would be scrapped completely, no matter what.

Alliance for People’s Struggle calls for a fresh probe on passport issue

The Alliance for People’s Struggle yesterday called for a fresh probe on what they called the passport scandal stating that the truth of the claim made by Epic Lanka that it had signed an agreement with Department of Emigration and Immigration on printing passports is true or false.

Govt. to launch probe over X Press Pearl disaster

The government will study the X Press Pearl disaster which occurred in 2021 and will launch an investigation over it in the near future, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Daily Mirror last evening.

No decline in tourist arrivals at Arugam Bay: Residents

Residents of the area and those engaging in tourism in Arugam Bay tourist zone point out that there is no unusual decline in foreign tourist arrivals in the area but there is a decline since this is off season.

Expand cultivation with increased subsidy

Paddy farmers in the Gampaha district are gearing up to expand their cultivation during the Maha season. They said the government’s increase in the fertiliser subsidy has been a motivating factor, encouraging them to make the most of this support to enhance paddy production in the area. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Two-thirds of public sector FTE expenses could be cut with correct technology: Former ICTA Chairman

The government could potentially cut off two-thirds of its public sector workforce expenses by strategically implementing the correct technology to streamline public services, according to former ICTA chairman.

LIOC revenues up but profits tumble on lower margins in September

Lanka IOC PLC (LIOC) reported higher revenues but profits tumbled in the quarter ended in September 2024 reflecting growing demand for fuel in a recovering economy, but the margins narrowed, taking a toll on the bottom-line.

IMF review for Sri Lanka delayed

The next review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be delayed, the Central Bank confirmed on Friday.

Disease spreading among pigs identified as African Swine Disease

The highly contagious viral disease previously known as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), which is spreading among pigs, hogs, and boars in Sri Lanka, has been identified as African Swine Disease.

’I am former President without majority, he is incumbent President without majority: Ranil

Referring to his political fates and his rival candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Election, former President Ranil Wickremeisnghe said both he and Dissanayake are in the same boat.