Indian contingent arrives in Sri Lanka for ’Mithrashakthi’ exercise

An Indian Army contingent participating in the annual joint military exercise ’Mithrashakti’ arrived at the Mattala Airport yesterday.

I don’t believe in wooing MPs: SF

Presidential candidate Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said today that he does not believe in wooing MPs and posing for photographs with them.

Sri Lanka permits 12 foreign vessels this year despite research vessel ban; No Chinese ships docked

Sri Lanka has granted security clearance for at least 12 foreign vessels to dock at its ports this year, despite imposing restrictions on foreign vessels, the Daily Mirror learns.

20 MPs fail to submit asset declarations

At least 20 Members of Parliament have failed to submit their asset and liability statements, according to informed sources.

SriLankan Airlines: next plan to take wings after Presidential Election

The government has put off its plans to find an alternate strategy to develop the cash strapped national career ‘SriLankan Airlines’ till the Presidential Election is over, an official said.

Ranil, Sajith, Anura, Namal geared up for 100-rally marathon for presidency

The four main political candidates - Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa, Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Namal Rajapaksa will begin their campaign rallies soon after nominations end on August 15 with each party eyeing to complete 100 rallies each.

Teenage pregnancies on the rise in Sri Lanka: NCPA

Sri Lanka is witnessing a rise in teenage pregnancy and sexual abuse, with 28 cases reported during the first half of this year, according to the latest data from the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).

Economic recovery to boost SL’s insurance industry: CB Governor

Sri Lanka’s insurance industry is poised to benefit from the ongoing recovery in economic activity, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said, as improved business conditions, low inflation and low interest rates in conventional financial products are likely to boost demand for insurance services on an overall basis.

Long-term political will crucial for SL’s power sector reforms: ADB

The success of Sri Lanka’s power sector reforms depends heavily on the government’s ability to maintain strong political will over the long term, according to Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Takafumi Kadono.

Bharat Kosh inaugurated at Colombo Public Library

Bharat Kosh, a repository of Indic knowledge, was inaugurated by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha at the Colombo Public Library yesterday.

BOC among top 1000 world banks for 2024

Bank of Ceylon (BOC), Sri Lanka’s premier financial institution, announced its inclusion in The Banker magazine’s prestigious list of Top 1000 World Banks for 2024.

Local gem and jewellery businesses shift overseas as taxes bite

The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) warned yesterday that the high taxes, including the Value-Added Tax (VAT), are pushing businesses to relocate abroad, threatening the future of the industry.

Shah Rukh Khan ’pushes old man’ at Locarno film festival red carpet

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has added a new feather in his cap. On Saturday, SRK became the first Indian to receive the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera award at the Locarno Film Festival.

Vijith Vijayamuni Soysa meets President

Former Minister Vijith Vijayamuni Soysa, who served as the organizer for the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Katana electorate, has pledged to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming Presidential election.

Pre-recruitment tests expand opportunities for Sri Lankan workers in Israel

Pre-recruitment tests have now begun, aiming to further expand opportunities for Sri Lankan workers in Israel’s construction industry, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said.

Independent candidates used as proxies in elections: Former Election Commissioner

Many independent candidates are used as proxy candidates for another candidate who was actually contesting the Presidential Election, former Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said.

Greek wildfire

Greek wildfire spreads to edge of Athens; towns, hospitals evacuated

A fast-moving wildfire fuelled by gale-force winds spread to the edge of Athens on Monday, torching trees, houses and cars and forcing evacuations of several hospitals and a dozen towns and villages, Greek authorities said.

Minimum daily wage for estate workers increased to Rs.1,700

The Wages Board today agreed to pay Rs. 1,700 as an increment for the daily payment for the estate workers.

Heavy rainfall expected across multiple areas

Heavy showers exceeding 100 mm are likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western, and North-central provinces after 12:00 p.m. today.

Election Commission informed of two Parliamentary seats falling vacant

The Chairman of the Election Commission has been informed of the two Parliamentary seats that fell vacant due to the cancellation of parliamentary seats of Members of Parliament Manusha Nanayakkara and Harin Fernando.

Former England batter Thorpe took his own life, family says

Thorpe, who played 100 Tests and 82 one-day internationals for England, died last week aged 55.

ICC Women’s Player of the Month for July 2024 revealed

Sri Lanka’s talismanic skipper Chamari Athapaththu beat a hot field by overcoming India’s star openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for July 2024.

Nine-member squad for Paralympic Games

Sri Lanka will field a nine-member contingent for the 2024 Paralympic Games, sources from the National Paralympic Committee of Sri Lanka revealed.

Sri Lanka begins England Test tour with confidence as Jayasuriya pushes for full effort

Following their confidence-boosting ODI series win against India in Colombo, the Sri Lanka national cricket team departed for England yesterday to play a three-match Test series.

Ali Sabry sworn in as Justice Minister

Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry was sworn in as the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms before President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Poll-related complaints continue to surge

The Election Commission continues to receive a flood of complaints related to the upcoming Presidential election.

Pensioners to receive Rs. 6,000 with their October payments

All pensioners will receive an additional Rs. 6,000 with their October pension payments. This amount includes a Rs. 3,000 interim allowance for October and Rs. 3,000 in allowance arrears that were due in September, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

SLPP to hold inaugural Presidential Election rally in Anuradhapura

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will kick off its campaign for the upcoming Presidential Election with its inaugural public rally in Anuradhapura on August 21, according to MP Johnston Fernando.

EC to meet striking Grama Niladhari officers

The Election Commission is scheduled to meet with the striking members of the All-Island Grama Niladhari Officers’ Association to ensure the smooth conduct of duties related to the Presidential election.