One million passports issued in 2023; only 230,000 people migrated

It was revealed that only 230,000 people had migrated in 2023 whereas one million passports had been issued in the same year.

Tax relief proposals sent to IMF for approval: Siyambalapitiya

Proposals for providing tax relief to taxpayers have been submitted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Once the IMF approves, the tax relief will be granted, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

’Puluwan Sri Lanka’ agreement signed to support Ranil

Some 34 parties and alliances signed the ’Puluwan Sri Lanka’ agreement at Waters Edge Hotel in Battaramulla.

First case of more dangerous mpox found outside Africa

Sweden’s public health agency has recorded what it says is the first case of a more dangerous type of mpox outside the African continent.

Man shot dead in Sripura

A 26-year-old man was shot dead early this morning (16) at Pillayar Junction in Gemunupura, Sripura, police said.

Political crossovers galore!

With the 2024 Presidential Election on the horizon, Sri Lankan political landscape is once again seeing a wave of crossovers as politicians jump ship in a desperate bid to stay afloat.

Ballot paper to be the longest if designed in single column format

With as many as 39 candidates in the presidential race , ballot paper is expected to be the longest ever with 27 inches in length and five inches in width if it is designed in a single column format, a source said .

EC toughens up on candidates’ expenditure; calls for source of funds

The Election Commission has called for all the presidential candidates to provide the source of funds of how they will be funding their election campaigns and will also set a expenditure limit which each candidate can spend at the September 21 presidential poll, the Daily Mirror learns.

SL urged to reassess debt plan and strengthen governance

Sri Lanka’s political and bureaucratic leaders should reassess the current debt sustainability plan with a fresh Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) to establish a realistic path out of the debt crisis, a top economist said, whilst also urging governance reforms to tackle corruption vulnerabilities.

Japan cancels flights and trains as another typhoon approaches

Hundreds of Japanese flights and trains were cancelled Thursday in the middle of a major holiday week as another typhoon roared towards the archipelago.

Ex-Sri Lankan diplomat owes domestic worker $500,000 after failing to pay wages, court rules

An Australian Federal Court judge has slammed the Home Affairs Department for failing to properly scrutinise a Sri Lankan diplomat who confiscated a staffer’s passport and gave her just two days leave in three years.

SJB has not entered into deals with anyone: Chamith Wijesundara

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has not entered into any deal with anyone, including Namal Rajapaksa, SJB youth wing Samagi Tharuna Balawegaya National Organizer Chamith Wijesundara said today.

Lack of knowledge on rabies increases human deaths

The lack of knowledge about rabies and the number of incidents relating to bites from animals other than dogs have led to an increase in deaths, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana said.

BCCI says 'categorical no' to hosting

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that India will not be hosting the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Sajith pledges to bring in era of common masses

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Sajith Premadasa, who handed over nominations today to contest the Presidential election, pledged to bring in an era of the common masses.

Presidential race begins...

Candidates contesting the forthcoming Presidential election submitted their nomination papers this morning at the Election Commission in Rajagiriya. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Another sexual abuse case reported from Kataragama

A 19-year-old youth was arrested on Wednesday evening (14) by the Kataragama police on suspicion of having sexually abused a Grade 11 schoolgirl of the Kataragama National School.

Luxury airport shuttle service launched from BIA

A new luxury ’Air Port Terminal Shuttle Service’ was launched from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to the Colombo Fort Railway Station and the Multimodal Transport Centre (MMC) in Makumbura.

India’s 78th Independence Day

The 78th Independence Day of India was celebrated at the India House where High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha hoisted India’s National Flag and inspected the Guard of Honour. Pix by Samantha Perera

ICFS offers spot admission session for UK universities

The ICFS Education is hosting a University Spot Admission Session on August 17, where Sri Lankan students will have the opportunity to receive offer letters from York St John University and De Montfort University on the spot.

Only NPP can make the change people want: Anura kumara

Claiming that the people are badly in need of a change, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today the National People’s Power (NPP) is the only camp capable of making that change.

Thanamalwila rape case: Four more suspects arrested

Four more suspects wanted in connection with the alleged rape of a 16-year-old schoolgirl of the Thanamalwila National School were arrested today by the Lunugamwehera police.

Sri Lanka welcomes Canada’s decision to retain LTTE as a terrorist entity

The Government of Sri Lanka welcomed the decision of the Government of Canada to retain the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) along with the World Tamil Movement (WTM) as terrorist entities.

Ranil calls for fresh mandate to create a bright future

Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe who handed over the nomination today to contest the Presidential election, called for a fresh mandate to create a bright future for the nation.

Ali Sabri Rahim joins Ranil

Puttalam District MP Ali Sabri Rahim, Digamadulla District MP Attorney S.M.M. Musharraf and SJB Anuradhapura District MP Ishaq Rahuman representing the All Ceylon Makkal Congress have extended their support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Ranil to contest under ’Gas Cylinder’ symbol

The Election Commission has assigned the ’Gas Cylinder’ symbol to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is contesting this year’s Presidential election as an independent candidate.

Preparation underway to host 2036 Olympics in India, Modi confirms

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India dreams of hosting the Olympics in 2036 and added that preparations are already underway during his Independence Day speech.

Nominations of all 39 candidates accepted: Objections rejected

The Elections Commission announced that the nominations of all 39 candidates have been accepted for the 2024 Presidential election.

Nissanka move up to eighth in ODI Rankings

Openers from India and Sri Lanka have been the big winners after they made good ground near the top of the updated ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings.

SriLankan showcases new safety video

SriLankan Airlines, aiming to capture travellers’ attention with its safety protocols, has launched a brand-new onboard safety video featuring a range of Sri Lanka’s most mesmerising scenic locations.