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.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah to become new ICC chairman

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah is all set to replace the incumbent Greg Barclay as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Landslide warning issued for six districts

Due to the prevailing inclement weather conditions, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has issued a landslide warning for the Colombo, Galle, Kalutara, Kegalle, Nuwara-Eliya and Ratnapura districts.

Bus crash in Iran kills at least 28 Pakistani pilgrims

A bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims overturned in Iran, killing at least 28 passengers, Iranian state media report.

Thalatha Athukorala resigns as MP

SJB MP Thalatha Athukorala announced that she will resign from the Parliamentary seat.

Transporting schoolchildren on motorcycles allowed on compassionate grounds: DIG Indika Hapugoda

There is no legal provision for transporting schoolchildren on motorcycles, but the traffic police have allowed this on compassionate grounds, Senior DIG Traffic Administration and Road Safety, Indika Hapugoda said.

Sri Lanka better prepared for Monkeypox pandemic: Minister

Sri Lanka is better prepared for the Monkeypox pandemic than a few years ago, Minister of Health Ramesh Pathirana told Parliament today.

Bandula Lal Bandarigoda sworn in as MP

Bandula Lal Bandarigoda was sworn in as a Member of Parliament before Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena today.

Police Inspector, constable arrested with over 1kg of heroin

An Inspector of Police and a Constable have been arrested by the Colombo Crime Division for possessing over 1 kg of heroin in Piliyandala.

Sri Lanka braces for Presidential election amid severe Police shortage

Colombo, August 21 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka is preparing for a challenging presidential election on September 21 amid a significant police shortage and ongoing anti-crime operations, the Daily Mirror learns.

RW’s rallies to showcase multicoloured backdrop, highlighting political parties backing him

UNP Leader and Independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe’s rallies will include a multi coloured backdrop on stage during the campaign season as these colours represent all the parties that are supporting him in the upcoming Presidential Election, the Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka beat series winners Ireland in last ODI

Sri Lanka secured a dominant eight-wicket consolation victory over series winners Ireland in the third one-day international at Stormont.

Wedding photographer arrested for photographing perahera with drone camera

A wedding photographer by the name Rasanga Dissanayake was arrested for taking photos of the final Randoli perahera with a drone camera.

Anura vows to reduce electricity tariff, fuel prices

National People’s Power (NPP) government will take over the country with a plan to eliminate poverty while stopping waste, theft and corruption, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Ministry refuses to fund junior athletes for World Meet

Twelve Sri Lankan junior athletes are at risk of missing the 2024 World Junior Athletic Championships in Lima, Peru, due to the Sports Ministry’s last-minute withdrawal of financial support.

Sinner cleared after testing positive twice for banned substance

World number one Jannik Sinner has been cleared of any wrongdoing after twice testing positive for a banned substance in March.