President in Kegalle

President Ranil Wickremesinghe attended an election rally in Kegalle on Saturday. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

BIA Customs nab trader with Rs.20 Mn worth fags, e-cigarette refills

A local trader who tried to smuggle in a large quantity of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarette refills from Dubai was arrested by the Sri Lanka Customs at the airport this morning.

All liquor shops islandwide to close on Sept 21, 22

The Commissioner General of Excise announced that all liquor shops and wine stores across the island will be closed on September 21 and 22 due to the Presidential election.

We are neither scared nor indebted to any one; will eradicate drug menace: AKD

A National People’s Power (NPP) government will eradicate the drug menace which has created serious consequences in the country, NPP Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

NPP refutes involvement in J’Pura University closure

The National People’s Power (NPP) categorically denied media reports suggesting that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a key ally of the NPP, is responsible for the alleged clash at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, which led to its closure.

Kedella Exhibition 2024

Kedella Exhibition 2024 was launched yesterday and will continue until Sunday (15) at BMICH, Colombo. Visitors can enjoy special discounts on electrical and home appliances. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

JVP - FSP clash shuts down Jayawardenepura University

The Sri Jayewardenepura University which was temporarily closed following a clash reportedly between two groups of students of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), is to be re-opened after the Presidential Election.

SJB indulging in cheap politics: Ruwan

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is practising cheap politics by hurling a false allegation that there is a political deal between independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe and National People’s Power (NPP) Candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said today.

Scenic sunset...

The sunset has long been a major attraction in the tropical island of Sri Lanka, especially for tourists. This scenic sunset was captured in Beruwala, Sri Lanka, on September 13. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

President in Beruwala...

President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in a rally in Beruwala on September 13, 2024, where he announced that the ban on vehicle imports will be fully lifted by February 2025. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Controller General of Immigration and Emigration faces Contempt Charges over visa deal controversy

The Supreme Court today issued an order to file a rule containing contempt of court charges against the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Harsha Ilukpitiya, for failing to implement the Court’s order, which had suspended a Cabinet decision granting approval related to online and expatriate visa operations in Sri Lanka.

NPP Govt. will boost tourism industry to attract four million tourists a year: AKD

A National People’s Power (NPP) government will take immediate measures to uplift the economy initially where steps will be taken to boost the tourism industry to attract four million tourists to the country per year, NPP presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Royal and S. Thomas’ clash for Gunaratne Trophy

The traditional rivals Royal College and S. Thomas’ College will clash for the Michael Gunaratne Memorial Trophy in their annual Inter-Schools rugby encounter at the Royal Sports Complex in Colombo tomorrow commencing at 4.15 p.m.

Petes look for repeat, Pathana seek revenge

The defending champions St. Peter’s College will take on Isipathana College in the President’s Trophy Inter-Schools Under-19 Knock-Out Rugby Tournament final at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo Sunday.

ICC unveils Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign film

With just 20 days remaining until the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled its official campaign film, titled ’’Whatever it Takes.’’

Russia expels six UK diplomats as tensions rise

Russia’s FSB security service said on Friday it had revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow after accusing them of spying and sabotage work, signalling the Kremlin’s anger at what it sees as London’s vital role in helping Ukraine.

Police to probe attack on bus returning from NPP rally

Police investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in an attack on a bus returning from a National People’s Power (NPP) election rally in Monaragala this morning (13).

BASL President tenders resignation

President’s Counsel Kawshalya Nawaratne has resigned as President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) with immediate effect, sources said.

Hundreds of job opportunities within 5 years for youth in North - Namal

SLPP Presidential Candidate Namal Rajapaksa has vowed to transform the Northern Province into a leading hub within 5 years which will create hundreds of employment opportunities for the youth in the province, Namal said in a statement in Jaffna.

The Motor Show 2024

The Motor Show 2024 was launched today (13) at the BMICH. A collection of modern electric vehicles as well as very old vehicles are displayed at the exhibition which will run till Sunday (15). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Cabinet approves changes to Personal Income Tax

The Cabinet has approved changes to the Personal Income Tax (PIT) structure, which will take effect in April 2025, according to the President’s Media Division.

Cristiano Ronaldo Creates History on Social Media

Portugal football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has created history on social media crossing a staggering 1 billion followers combined on all platforms. He recently opened his YouTube channel as well and even that had crossed 20 million subscribers within 24 hours.

Trincomalee District Judge interdicted

Trincomalee District Judge M. Ganesharajah has been interdicted with immediate effect by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).

Gaddafi Stadium to receive largest investment as PCB prepares for 2025 Champions Trophy

The PCB allocated 12.8 billion rupees for upgrading stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi to meet international standard

Ban on all vehicle imports to be lifted by February 2025: Ali Sabry

The Cabinet has decided to lift the ban and restrictions on all vehicle imports by February 2025, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said today.

Major General Dinesh Nanayakkara appointed SL Army’s Chief of Staff

Major General Dinesh Nanayakkara of the Sri Lanka Singha Regiment has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army with effect from September 16.

GCE A/L exam scheduled for November 25 to December 20

The Examinations Department has announced that the G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations for 2024 will take place from November 25 to December 20.

CSE instructs LTL not to proceed with IPO opening

The Initial Public Offering (IPO) of LTL Holdings, which was to open today, did not go ahead as scheduled on instruction by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

IMF says ready to move forward with programme discussions with new government

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it is ready to move forward with programme discussions after the Presidential election is held and a new government is formed based on the choice of the people.

Controller General of Immigration and Emigration in hot water over visa deal

The Supreme Court today issued an order directing the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration to appear before the Court in person for his failure to implement the Supreme Court’s order, which had suspended the Cabinet decision granting approval related to online and expat visa operations in Sri Lanka.