Helicopter of Iran’s late President Raisi crashed due to weather, Fars says

The helicopter crash in which Iran’s late President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in May was caused by weather conditions and the aircraft’s inability to handle the weight it was carrying, Iran’s semi-official news agency reported on Wednesday, citing a security source informed of the final investigation results.

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.

Third US Navy destroyer arrives in Colombo

The USS Stockdale of the United States Navy arrived at the port of Colombo on a replenishment visit today. The Sri Lanka Navy warmly welcomed the ship upon its arrival.

’AI-related Student Societies’ for school education system

The government today approved a project to implement “Artificial Intelligence-related Students’ Societies” as a pilot project in 100 schools, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

Distribution of polling cards starts on September 8

The Postal Department announced September 8 (Sunday) as the special day for the distribution of official polling cards for the 2024 Presidential election.

No SLPP MP representing Anuradhapura attended yesterday’s rally: Kariyawasam

No Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian represting the Anuradhapura District participated in organising the SLPP’s maiden rally held in Anuradhapura yesterday, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said today.

SC orders Election Commission to hold LG polls at earliest possible date

The Supreme Court five-judge-bench headed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya today ordered the Election Commission to make the necessary arrangements to hold the Local Government elections at the earliest possible date.

Tamil actor Vijay unveils Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam party flag: ‘Victory is sure’

Tamil actor Vijay unveiled the representative flag for his political party Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam today.

Sri Lanka debutant creates history with stunning Manchester knock

A magnificent half-century from Milan Rathnayake helped the debutant break a 41-year Test record.

Brief Emergency At Kerala Airport Over Bomb Threat On Air India Flight

A full emergency was declared at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport today following a bomb threat on an Air India flight from Mumbai, airport sources said.

Harshitha Samarawickrama joins Trinbago Knight Riders for WCPL 2024

Sri Lankan batter Harshitha Samarawickrama has joined the Trinbago Knight Riders for the 2024 Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL). She replaces Meg Lanning who has been forced to withdraw due to injury.

Divers find five bodies in wreck of Sicily yacht

Divers searching the wreckage of a superyacht which sank off the coast of Sicily on Monday have found the bodies of five of the six missing passengers, and recovered four of them to shore.

One half of world-famous gay penguin couple dies

Sphen the gentoo penguin - one half of a world-famous same-sex ’’power couple’’ - has died in Australia, aged 11.

I could not take it anymore; SJB is heading on a wrong path

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Thalatha Athukorala who shockingly resigned from her parliamentary seat just weeks ahead of the Presidential election said she made this decision as she saw no clear road ahead with the SJB and said she could not bear to see the party heading in such an ad hoc direction.

Brampton municipal authorities in Canada turns harsh on Sri Lanka

The Brampton Municipal authorities in Canada have disregarded the Sri Lankan government’s protest over the construction of what is called ‘Tamil genocide memorial’ as its Mayor Patrick Brown requested Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister M. Joly to take a hard line position against Sri Lanka, according to the letter which Daily Mirror is now in possession.

90 liquor licenses issued before approval of new Excise Amendment Bill

Around 90 liquor licences have been issued before the approval of a new procedure of issuing licences, Chairman of Ways and Means Committee Patali Champika Ranawka told Parliament today.

Do not touch Colombo without our permission – CMC warns candidates, parties

Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) today warned legal action against any candidate or political party that would decorate city roads, streets or public places for any election related propaganda without their permission or paying due charges.

Bribery Commission publishes Presidential candidates’ asset declarations online

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) said that the assets declarations of Presidential candidates are now available on its official website for public access.

’I love challenges’: Namal

SLPP Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa said he is never scared of challenges and that he loves challenges.

Two High Commissioners, three Ambassadors present Credentials to President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe received the credentials of two newly appointed High Commissioners and three Ambassadors to Sri Lanka at the President’s House, Colombo today, President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Sri Lanka to allow visa free access to 35 countries: Harin

The Cabinet has decided to allow 35 countries visa free access into Sri Lanka from October 1, 2024, Adviser to the Ministry of Tourism Harin Fernando said.

Roads in Gampaha flooded by the relentless rain

People and vehicles wade through floodwater on a waterlogged road in Gampaha Kiridivita. The Disaster Management Center announced that more than 2,354 people have been affected by the bad weather that has affected the island. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Karu Paranawithana to replace Thalatha

Karu Paranawithana is to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of SJB MP Thalatha Athukorala as he is next in the party’s list in the Ratnapura District.

Is Sajith getting ready for second episode of Gota’s era? Thalatha

Former SJB MP Thalatha Athukorala, who resigned as an MP, said she wondered whether Sajith Premadsa was trying to act the second episode of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa era.

President appoints Vadivel as State Minister, Moulana as Non-Cabinet Minister

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) national list MP Seyed Ali Zahir Moulana, has been appointed as the Non-Cabinet Minister of Development Projects with effect from today.

Ukraine targets Moscow in ‘one of largest ever’ drone attacks

Ukraine has launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow, as it presses on with a major incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, Russian authorities said.

Former Provincial Councillor Jayantha De Silva passes away

Former Western Provincial Council member Jayantha De Silva has passed away at the age of 78.

Supermoon arrives in London!

Stargazers in London were in for a treat on Tuesday night, as a rare blue supermoon slowly passed behind the iconic Shard. Images have captured the spectacular moment the earth’s satellite lit up the sky as it moved in the shadow of Europe’s tallest building. The moon was also captured illuminating the Thames as it rose over Tower Bridge in central London. (Daily Mail)

Dengue strikes again as cases top 35,000

The tally of dengue cases recorded for 2024 has topped the 35,000 mark, according to the National Dengue Control Unit.

Another US Navy destroyer arrives in Colombo

USS Okane of the United States Navy arrived at the port of Colombo on a replenishment visit today (21 August 2024). The Sri Lanka Navy warmly welcomed the ship upon its arrival.