Heavy showers above 100 mm likely today

Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western Provinces and in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, according to the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre.

Clean energy transition: Sri Lanka LNG ready, hydrogen capable

In the global economy developing, what is triggered is demand for power more and more. The world is starved of resources and has to use its resources sparingly and sustainably to fulfil demands unlimited in human nature. In power generation, the oil and coal-burned era is now heading for an end. The world is heading for more and more clean energy sources, and Sri Lanka is no exception. It has made plans for diversification of its energy mix.

CB Chief to brief MPs on Sri Lanka’s financial performance today

Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe is to brief all MPs on Sri Lanka’ s current financial performance today.

UK suspends some arms exports to Israel

The UK has suspended some arms sales to Israel, saying there is a ’’clear risk’’ the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international law.

Samita Dulan wins silver at Paris Paralympics

Samita Dulan Kodithuwakku of the Sri Lanka Army Corps of Military Police won a silver medal in the javelin throw at the Paris Paralympic Games, setting a new world record in the men’s F44 category with a throw of 67.03 metres.

Karu Paranawithana sworn in as MP

Karu Paranawithana was sworn in as an MP by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena today. Paranawithana fills the vacancy created by Thalatha Athukorala who resigned from Parliament recently.

The other three candidates come with serious, troubled pasts, I do not-Namal

SLPP’s Presidential Candidate, Namal Rajapaksa said that the other three leading candidates - Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake came with serious, troubled pasts, but he was the only candidate who did not have any such allegations.

Differences brew in ITAK over decision to back Sajith Premadasa

Resentment brews within the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) over the decision by the party’s Central Committee to back Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa in the absence of some its leaders such as former MP Mavai Senathirajah and S. Sridharan.

Candidates who cross spending limit will lose civic rights: EC

The presidential candidates who are found to have spent more than the allowed amount per voter, which is Rs. 109, will face serious consequences, the Election Commission said.

A word of caution to the winning candidate - Will you be plagued with the winner’s curse

A highly competitive auction of non-existing resources is taking place. Promises are galore – lower taxes, more subsidies and higher public service salaries. How are we going to pay for all of this?

August tourist arrivals fall furthest away from forecast

The tourist arrivals in August fell furthest away from the target seen so far during the year, according to the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Coconut supply shortfall threatens SL’s domestic and export markets: CCCI

The newly inaugurated Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI) has warned that the current coconut supply is insufficient to meet both the local and growing export demands, due to the significant challenges faced by the sector.

Incoming president must surpass industrial revolutions to secure prosperity: Former CB deputy governor

To fulfil Sri Lanka’s long-standing ambition of becoming a wealthy nation within a single generation (defined as 25-30 years), the incoming president should propel the nation forward by surpassing several industrial revolutions to achieve prosperity, according to a former Central Bank (CB) deputy governor.

BOI signs agreement for US $ 9.3mn hotel project in Ella

The town of Ella in Sri Lanka is set to witness a new development in tourism infrastructure, as the Board of Investment (BOI) has signed an agreement with the local company Nature First Resort & Spa Limited to build a new hotel in the tourist region.

Chinese Criminal Investigation Unit joins local CID in tackling online fraud involving Chinese

In response to the surge in online financial frauds involving foreign nationals, including Chinese, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has sought assistance from the Chinese Special Criminal Investigation Unit for investigative support.

Container truck driver found dead at Port Customs gate queue

The Foreshore Police launched an investigation after the driver of a container truck, who had been waiting in a queue at the Customs exit gate since yesterday, was found dead inside his vehicle this evening within the port premises.

Commonwealth to observe Sri Lanka’s presidential election

A Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), led by Danny Faure, former President of Seychelles, will observe Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election, which will be held on 21 September 2024.

Let us put an end to borrowing: Ranil

President Ranil Wickremesinghe called for the support of all parties to create an era where Sri Lanka could end borrowing funds from other countries.

Minister urges caution during postal voting, warns against false promises

Education Minister Susil Premajayantha today urged government employees to be cautious when casting their postal votes and not to be misled by false election promises.

Marking 73rd anniversary

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, together with the SLFP Nimal Siripala de Silva faction, waves at party members during a ceremony to mark the Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s 73rd anniversary today. Pix Waruna Wanniarachchi

Deva Dutha perahera...

The Deva Dutha Perahera of the Rathna Sri Ghanarama Pothgul Viharaya was held recently with the blessings of Ven. Sivuralumulle Sumanarathne Thera of the temple. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Customs destroy counterfeit cigarettes

Sri Lanka Customs today destroyed a large quantity of counterfeit cigarettes seized from many smuggling attempts through the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) during the first half of this year. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Grade five exam on September 15

The Examinations Department announced the date for holding the Grade 5 scholarship examination for 2024.

Visa free policy for 38 countries comes into immediate effect

The Cabinet has approved a ’one chop’ system for the 38 visa-free countries, commencing with immediate effect, Advisor to the Ministry of Tourism Harin Fernando said.

Husband sentenced to death for murdering wife

An accused who stood indicted with the murder of his wife was found guilty and sentenced to death by Uva Province High Court Judge Prasanna Alwis.

CA Orders registration of 41 unregistered assembled vehicles after 12-year delay

The Court of Appeal today issued a Writ of Mandamus directing the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic to register 41 assembled motor vehicles under the terms of the Motor Traffic Act, which had not been registered for 12 years.

Harini responds to Anura’s V8

Commenting on NPP Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake travelling in expensive vehicles for election rallies, NPP MP Harini Amarasuriya said today the party has to take some decisions considering the security of Anura Kumara.

Annual Perahera of Puwakpitiya Temple

The 48th annual Perahera of the Puwakpitiya Temple in Maharagama was held yesterday. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Namal's manifesto launched...

Election manifesto of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa was launched today. Namal is presenting a copy of the manifesto to former president and SLPP leader Mahinda Rajapaksa. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Health officials warn of spike in Dengue cases

In the wake of incessant rains experienced over the past few weeks, health officials have warned of a surge in Dengue cases.